History of Walker County Georgia

Transcription

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1863-64 EX.-64-65 EX.
John Y. Wood
A. Cooper
1865-66-66-M. E. Rhodes
J. Dixon
1868 EX.-69-70 EX.
W. B. Gray
1871-72-72 Adj.
John Y. Wood
1873-74-Judson C. Clements
1875-76Judson C. Clements
1877-5. M. Shaw
1878-79 Adj.
John B. Wheeler
1880-81 Adj.
John B. Wheeler
1882-83 Ex.-83 Ann. Adj.
John G. Wood
1884-85 Adj.
John B. Wheeler
1886-87 Adj.
John B. Wheeler
F. Thurman
1888-89 Adj.-B.
B. Wheeler
1890-91 Adj.-John
1892-93-John B. Wheeler
1894-95-Gordon Lee
1896-97 Adj .-97
Francis Wall Copeland
1898-99-Francis Wall Copeland
1900-01-Francis Wall Copeland
1902-03-04---Be F. Thurman
1905-06-H. P. Lumpkin
1907-08-08 EX.
B. F. Thurman
1909-10-James E. Rosser
1911-12 EX.-12
B. F. Thurman
1913-14-S. W. Fariss
1915-15 EX.-16-17 EX.
Don Harris
1917-18-Don Harris
1919-20-James Robert McFarland
1921-22-Freeman C. McClure
Charles Robert Jones
(Aug. 4, 1921)
1923-23 EX.-^$
Freeman C. McClure
David F. Pope
1925-26-26 Ex-Freeman
McClure
J. R. Rosser
1927-28-5. M. Hutcheson
D. F. Pope
1929-30-5. M. Hutcheson
J. R. Rosser
1931-31 Ex.-32-J. M. Hutcheson
J. R. Rosser
1933-E. A. Leonard, J. A. Sartain
(Elec. Dem. Pri. Sept. 14,
1932)
-,
ROSTEROF SENATORS
O F WALKER
COUNTYAND 4 4 ~ HSENATORIAL
DISTRICTFROM 1834 TO DATE.
Samuel Fariss, 1834-35-36-37, 43,
47, 51-52.
Thomas G. McFarland, 1838.
William Huff, 1839.
James Thompson (died Nov., 1840)
Spencer Marsh (seated Dec. 15)
William K. Briers, 1841-42.
Stephen Smith, 1845.
Samuel McBee, 1849-50.
M. Dickson, 1853-54.
James Gordon, 1855-56.
G. G. Gordon, 1857-58.
James M. Bond, 1859-60.
R. A. Lane, 1861-62-63 Ex.
H. J. Sprayberry, 1863-64 Ex.-186465 Ex.
R. M. Paris, 1865-66-66.
B. R. McCutchen, 1868 Ex.-69-70
(ineligible '70 ; died '70).
William Henry, 1871 (seat declared
vacant 11/10/71).
T. Y. Parks, 1872-72 Adj.
W. H. Payne, 1873-74.
Payne, 1875-76.
James W. Cureton, 1877.
Judson Claudius Clements, 1878-79.
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A. T. Hacket, 1880-81 Adj., 1892-93.
M. A. B. Tatum, 1882-83 Ex. 83
Ann. Adj.
Robert Marion Wallace Glenn,
1884-85 Adj. 1890-91 Adj.
Ezekiel Foster, 1886-87 Adj.
J. B. McCollum, 1888-89 Adj.
G. W. M. Tatum, 1894-95, 1900-01.
T. F. McFarland, 1896-97 Adj. 97.
William E-.Mann, 1898-99.
Gordon Lee, 1902-03-04.
W. H. Yates, 1905-06 (died 1905;
member elect, J. S. Alsobrook).
J. R. Brock, 1907-08-08 Ex.
J. Y. Wood, 1909-10.
W. C. Hullender, 1911-12 Ex., 12,
17-18, 23-23 EX.-24.
Le Pope, 1913-14.
J. R. McFarland, 1915-15 Ex.-1617 Ex.
Walter W. Cureton, 1919-20.
David F. Pope, 1921-22.
Daniel Spencer Middleton, 192526 Ex. 26 2d Ex.
James Ralph Rosser, 1927-28.
B. F. Harris, 1929-1930.
B. T. Brock, 1931-1932.
John M. Hutchison, 1933 (Elec.
Dem. Pri. Sept. 14, 1932).
Cherokee Circuit, 1833-1869.
Rome Circuit, 1869-date.
CHEROKEECIRCUIT. John W. Hooper, 1832-35; Owen H. Kennon,
1835-38; Turner H. Tripp, 1838-42, also 1854-56; George B. Anderson,
1842-43 ; John A. Janes, 1843-43; Augustus R. Wright, 1843-50; John B.
Hooper, 1850-50; John H. Lumpkin, 1850-54; Dawson A. Walker, James
A. Milner and Josiah K. Parrot served from 1856 to 1869, exact terms of
each unknown.
ROME CIRCUIT. Francis A. Kirby, 1869-70; R. D. Hamey, 1870-73;
J. W. H. Underwood, 1873-1882; J. Branham, 1882-87; John W. Maddox,
1887-92, also 1910-13; W. M. Henry, 1892-95, also 1896-05; W. T. Turnbull, 1895-96; Moses Wright, 1905-10, also 1913-25; James Maddox,
1925.
The following have served as Solicitors-General, dates unknown : J.
A. W. Johnson of Dalton; C. D. Forsythe of Rome; C. T. Clements of
Walker county; J. L. Wright of Rome; Charlea G. Janes of Cedartown;
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A. Richardson of Cedartown; W. J. Nunnally of Rome; Moses Wright,
Rome; Wm. H. Ennis, Rome; John W. Bale, Rome; Claude H. Porter,
Rome, E. S. Taylor, Summerville; J. F. Kelly, Rome; M. Neil Andrews,
LaFayette.
~ D G E SOF INFERIOR
COURT. Official records show that the following
were judges of the Inferior Court of Walker County: Daniel Gartman,
John Catlett; A. L. Barry; L. C. Graddy. In addition the following are
said to have served in that capacity; Judge Easterling ; James R. Jones;
B. R. McCutchen; James Bonds; and M. E. Rhodes.
Mr. W. C. Bailey, of Pond Spring, now in his 85th year (since deceased), has in his possession a copy of the Ulster County Gazette, of
Kingston, New York, published by Samuel Freer and Son, and dated
Saturday, January 4, 1800. This is the issue containing the announcement of the death of General Washington, who had died on December 14,
1799, about 20 days previous. The following extract is taken from it for
the purpose of showing with what reverence and love Washington was
held in the hearts of his contemporaries. Other extracts are given for
their general interest and historical value. Notice the occasional use of
the old form of s, which the printer endeavors to represent by the use
of the letter f :
WASHINGTON ENTOMBED.
Georgetown Dec. 20.
On Wednesday laft, the mortal part of Washington the Great-the
father of his Country and the Friend of man; was confined to the tomb,
with solemn honors and funeral pomp.
A multitude of persons assembled, from many miles around, a t Mount
Vernon, the choice and laft refidence of the illuftrious chief. There were
the groves-the spacious avenues, the beautiful and sublime scenes, the
noble manfion-but, alas! the auguft inhabitant was now no more. The
great soul was gone. His mortal part was there indeed; but ah! how
affecting! how awful the spectacle of such worth and greatness, thus t o
mortal eyes, fallen !-Yes ! fallen ! fallen !
In the long and lofty portico, where oft the Hero walked in all his
glory, now lay the fhrouded corpse. The countenance ftill, composed, and
serene, seemed to depress the dignity of the spirit, which lately dwelt in
that lifeless form. There those who paid the laft sad honors to the
benefactor of his country, took an impressive-a farewell view.
On the ornament, a t the head of the coffin was inscribed SURGE AD
JUDICIUM-about
the middle of the coffin GLORIA DEO-and on the
silver plate,
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GENERAL
GEORGE' WASHINGTON
Departed this life on 14th December, 1799. AEt 68.
Between three and four o'clock, the sound of artillery from a veffel
in the river, firing minute guns, awoke afrefh our solemn sorrow-the
corpse was moved-a band of mufick with mournful melody melted the
soul into all the tenderness of woe.
The proceffion was faormed & moved on the following order:
CAVALRY
INFANTRY
(With arms reversed)
GUARD
MUSIC
CLERGY
The General's horse with his saddle, holsters, and pistols.
Cols.
simms
Ramey,
Payne,
}
Pall
Bearers
{
+
Bearers
Cols.
Gilpin,
Marfteller,
Little,
MOURNERS
MASONIC BRETHREN
CITIZENS
When the proceffion had arrived at the bottom of the elevated lawn,
on the banks of the Potomac, where the family vault is placed, the cavalry halted, the infantry marched toward the Mount and formed their
lines-the Clergy, the Masonic Brothers, and the Citizens, descended t o
the vault, and funeral service of the Church was performed.-The firing
was repeated from the veffel in the river, and the sounds echoed from
the woods and hills around.
Three general discharges from the infantry-the
cavalry, and 11
pieces of artillery, which lined the banks of the Potomac back of the
Vault, paid the laft tribute to the entombed Commander-in-Chief of the
United States and to the departed hero.
The sun was now setting. Alas! the SUN O F GLORY was set forever. No-the
name of WASHINGTON--the American President and
General-will triumph over DEATH ! The unclouded brightness of his
glory will illuminate future ages!
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ON
THE
DEATHO F
GENERAL WASHINGTON.
(By a Young Lady)
What means that solemn dirge that strikes my ear?
What means those mournful sounds-why shines the tear ?
Why toll the bells the awful knell of fate?
Ah! why those sighs that do my fancy sate!
Where'er I turn, the general gloom appears,
Those mourning badges fill my soul with fears;
Hark !-Yonder
rueful noise ! % i s done !-'tis
done !
The filent tomb invades our WASHINGTON.
Muft
Muft
Muft
What
virtues so exalted yield their breath?
bright perfection find relief in death?
mortal greatness fall ?-a glorious name ?then is riches, honor and true fame?
The Auguft chief, the father and the friend,
The generous patriot,-let the Muse commend ;
Columbia's glory, and Mount Vernon's pride,
There lies enshrined with numbers a t his side!
W e e p k i n d r e d mortals-weepno more you'll find,
A man so just, so pure, so firm in mind ;
Rejoicing Angels, hail the heavenly Sage !
Celestial Spirits greet the wonder of the AGE!
(From Ulster County Gazette).
LUTHER ANDRES & Co. have this day
Been opening goods both fresh and gay.
He has received near every kind,
That you in any Stor,e can find,
As I purchase by the Bale,
I am determined to retail
For READY PAY a little lower
Than ever have been had before.
I with my brethren mean to live,
But as for credit shall not give.
I would not live to rouse your paffions,
For credit here is out of fafhion,
My friends and buyers one and all,
It will pay you well to give a call.
You may always find me a t my sign,
A few rods from the house divine.
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The following articles will be received in payment: Wheat, Rye,
Buckwheat, Oats, Corn, Butter, Flax, Afhes and Rawhides. The articles
will be taken in a t Esopus prices, CASH will not be refused.
Warwick, Dec. 24, 1799.
FOR SALE-The one-half of a saw mill, with a convenient place
for building, lying in the town of Rochester. By the mill is a n inexalso, A Stout, Healthy, Achaustible quantity of PINEWOOD.-And
tive NEGRO WENCH. Any person inclined to purchase, may know
the particulars by applying to JOHN SCHOONMAKER, Jun. a t Rochester.
November 23, 1799.
Second Notice, of my wife HANNA H, is hereby given, forbidding
all persons whatever, from harboring or keeping her, and from trusting her on my account, a s I a m determined t o pay no debts of her contracting.
MATYS VAN STEENBERG.
Nov. 18, 1799.
Chapter Thirty-nine
SOMEANCIENTCOUNTYHISTORY
As Told by Frank W. Copeland.
N 1826 an Indian named Swayback murdered his wife a t the breakfast table. He was tried a t ten o'clock A.M. the same day by the
medicine men and chief; found guilty and sentenced to death at 12
noon, or two hours after his trial, and was executed promptly. A wagon
was drawn under a limb containing a barrel on which stood Swayback
with a rope around his neck. When the end of the rope was securely
tied to the limb the wagon was moved from underneath and the fall
broke his neck. This occurred a t Crayfish (Crawfish) Spring, now Chickamauga. A few minutes before Swayback went to his death he asked t o
be allowed to go to the spring neareby and take one more drink of water
before dying. His request was granted; and true to the Indian's stoic
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nature he went unattended and returned and met his death without showing the least fear.
This story was related to me by Mrs. Hixon, forty-two years ago, on
Lookout mountain. She said she was thirteen years old a t the time. She
also stated that she went t,o school with the Indian children at the old
mission school (Brainerd). Mrs. Hixon, I think, was the mother of
William P. Hixon of Lookout mountain who was present when she related
these and many other Indian stories to me.
Two Indians were hanged a t Crayfish Spring about 1833-34. They
had murdered two white men whom they found asleep in the entry of
their house and killed them while asleep. Judge Hooper presided a t the
trial and (as I remember) a lawyer by name of Hansel was solicitorgeneral. The murderers were brought from jail a t Canton, Georgia, by
the militia. I have seen the framework of the gallows used on this occasion a t the foot of the hill near the home of the late Hon. Gordon Lee.
Jonathan McWilliams, father of Mrs. Spencer Bomar, Mrs. Hugh
McClure and Mrs. William Burgess, migrated from Ireland early in the
19th century. One of his three daughters was born in Ireland, one on
the Atlantic ocean and one in America. All these came to West Armuchee
valley about 1841.
The first permanent white settler in West Armuchee was a Mr. Vick.
He lived at Greenbush. For a number of years Greenbush post office
bore the name Vicksburg. This was told to me by Mr. George W. Cleme n t ~fifty years ago. He said that h,e and an Indian neighbor were deer
hunting in West Armuchee valley and took dinner with Mr. Vick. G. W.
Clements was treasurer of Walker county for a great many years. The
Indian word Armuchee in English is said to mean "much gold."
Not one of the following early settlers of West Armuchee, o r their
descendants, now resides in the valley : Prior Keeling ; Robert Patterson ;
Hugh McClure ; William Burgess ; Thomas Manning ; William Little ;
Jackson ; Story ; Lyles ; Bennett ; Chapman Baker ; Mosteller ; Cargall ;
Samuel Saxon ; Alex Copeland ; Dr. Bailey ; Gore ; Evans; Esterling;
Foster; Kilpatrick; Keclin.
Young men killed in battle from West Armuchee: Lieut. James McWilliams ; Calvin McWilliams ; Bud Esterling ; Ed Esterling; Pink Chapman ; James Kilpatrick ; Benj. Chapman ; Lieut. Robert Little ; .---....
Bennett ; -----.-Lawrence ; Edward Glazner ; -.-.--.
Oliver.
Col. F. H. Little of West Armuchee was commissioned BrigadierGeneral a few days before Lee's surrender.
As late as eighty years ago Indian arrow heads could be seen in trees
where Indian hunters had shot at turkeys, deer and other wild game.
BRIEFHISTORY
O F MCLEMORE'S
COVE,AND SOMEO F
WHG MADEIT.
THE
MEN
By T. B. Simmons.
McLemore's was a rich section with both limestone and freestone land
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-the limestone predominating, and was covered by a s fine forest of
white oak, red oak, popular and pine as could be found in Georgia at the
time of its settlement. It was just such a place as suited strong, able,
brave, fearless men; and in the beginning t h a t was the class of men that
settled the Cove. McLemore's Cove was honored by two soldiers of the
War of 1812, who selected i t a s their home, Robert A. Anderson and
George W. Reid, both of whose bones rest in its soil.
While the Cove was yet in its virgin state a noted lawyer from Athens,
Georgia, William Dougherty, bought most of the valley land from the
head of the Cove to Cedar Grove-all in fact except the lot owned by
Jefferson Coulter, pioneer. This he later sold to settlers coming into
the Cove, reserving t o himself the extensive farm in the head of the
Cove, since known as the Dougherty place. The early settlers were
mainly of the Methodist and Baptist persuasion, and since that time each
of these churches has maintained strong organizations.
But the men who probably did most for the Cove came in immediately
before, and soon after the War of the Rebellion. These came from Virginia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, other Georgia counties as well a s from
other parts of Walker county. Few of these early settlers had any worldly possessions when they arrived; but were men of iron will i n d nerve;
men of character with a will to work and build for the future. 'They
were men who stood for the things that build up a country-roads,
churches, schools, masonry and a noble manhood and womanhood. Arriving here they began to strengthen the churches, establish better
schools, organize masonic lodges and help to bring a superior civilization
in the Cove.
These men were Captain John Y. Wood, W. B. Gray, Dr. Wm. B. Simmons, J. F. Smith, Hyram Smith, E. White, W. P. Frazier, Tom Rowland, Dr. G. W. Cochran. A. Andrews and many others. All honor to
these pioneer citkens! They have builded well. A man who deserves to
be spoken of highly was E. White. When he married he could neither
read nor write. His wife taught him both and he became a power for
good in the community. He was a great churchman and one of the
brightest masons in the county. Mr. White was a poor man-probably
worth less than $500.00; but he told Antioch Baptist church if they would
build a brick church he would furnish the brick, and he did it. He made
them. But there were other men who labored and sacrificed for the new
church-Frank Bell and his father, Johnathan Bell, brick masons, were
valuable in erecting the academy and church. Frank, the son and upright citizen, and the father, Johnathan, a Baptist minister. G. W. Harp,
Wm. Denton, E. G. Francis were all high-toned Christian gentlemen, always standing four-square for the right. We honor their memory.
Captain, R. M. Aycock; 1st Lieut., Samuel Hoge; 2nd Lieut., S.
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Marsh; Ord-Sergt., S. N. Barns.
Privates : Thompson Allman ; Bird Anderson (served two days) ; William Cupp; John C. Johnson; William Hamilton; George Hartland
(served but one day) ; James Kirkes; Joseph N. Live; Joseph H. Rogers.
Subsistence and forage furnished by each man two days a t $1.50 per
day, entire amount $37.50. One pound of powder a t 37 cents; 13 pounds
of shot at 18%c, $2.621/2 (?), $3.371/2.
The foregoing list represents the statement of a small company of
cavalry raised by voluntary enlistment a t Walker C.H.,Geo., from the
circumstance of the Creek Indians reported to be passing into the county,
and the danger apprehended therefrom to the citizens during the difficulties with that tribe the past year.
After scouring the county two days the company returned, dispersed
and retired to their homes, having for the time quieted.the fears of the
inhabitants. These men were not mustered into the service of the U. S.,
neither were they paid by the U. S. for the time mentioned.
The nature of the expedition made it necessary that each man furnish himself with subsistence and forage, which they did from their
homes o r paid for i t a t public houses (the latter, I believe, was the case).
Myself and the two lieutenants were called to command by the voice
of the company-the orderly sergeant was appointed by myself.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
*
*
*
*
*
County of Walker, State of Georgia: I hereby certify on honor that
the above muster roll of volunteer cavalry of this state commanded by
myself in the county of Walker during the year 1836 exhibits the true
state of said company for the period therein mentioned; that the remarks
opposite the names of each officer and soldier a r e accurate and just.
Given under my hand this 7 day of Feby. 1837.
R. M. Aycock.
Copies of some old war-time letters on file in the office of Secretary
of State, Atlanta:
LaFayette, Ga., Walker County, May 27, 1861.
Major-General H. C. Wayne,
Milledgeville, Ga.
Sir: We have a cavalry company made up and organized and we wish
to know on what terms we can get arms and on what terms we can be
received and for what time we would have to serve. We will be glad t o
hear from you a s soon as possible. Address us a t Frick's Gap, Geo.
E. L. Cooper, Capt.
Yours truly,
F. J. Fricks, Sec.
Cedar Grove, Walker County, Geo. May 24, 1862.
To His Excellency, Joseph E. Brown, Governor.
Sir : In response to your proclamation of the 8th inst., I report my-
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self captain of the 971st District G.M. of Walker County, Georgia, bearing commission under your hand of May 11, 1861.
I have in my company 75 rifles; 4 muskets; 32 shot gunsvand20 pistols. My address is Cedar Grove postoffice, Walker county, Geo.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
James W. Head, Capt. 971st Dist. G.M.
The following subpoena is in possession of J. B. F. Jones. It was issued to his father and seems to be an echo from the attempt to build a
railroad in this county during the fifties. The actual construction of the
road was begun and later abandoned. Some of the embankments of this
construction are still pointed out near the location of the Union Cotton
Mills at LaFayette:
State of Georgia, Walker County:
Coosa & R. R. R. Co., Vs Complaint, Constantine Wood.
To James B. Jones-Greeting :
You are hereby commanded'that laying all other business aside, you
personally be and appear a t a Superior Court to be held in the County
of Walker on the fourth Monday in August 1860, then and there t o testify
and the truth say on the part and behalf of the defendant. Herein fail
not on pain of Three Hundred Dollars.
Witness the Honorable James A. Walker, Judge of said Superior
Court, this 21, day of August, in year etc. 1860.
Francis I. Grogan, C.S.C.
Endorsement :
Ga. Walker Co. Personally came before me the undersigned, J. B.
Jones, the witness in said writ mentioned, who, being sworn, says that
he attended court' four days in obedience to this subpoena. Sworn t o
and subscribed before me, March 1, 1861.
J. B. Jones.
John M. Catlett, J.P.
A REVOLUTIONARY
BILL. Mrs. Myers, relict of the late W. W. S.
Myers of fragrant memory, is the proud possessor of two revolutionary
bills described as follows :
Obverse side.
This Bill entitles the Bearer to receive Fifty
Spanish milled DOLLARS, or the value thereof
in GOLD o r SILVER, according to Resolution
passed by CONGRESS a t Philadelphia, September 26th, 1778.
50 DOLLARS
SNODEN N. Donne1
Reverse side.
Three flying arrows crossing each other in a field of gray, with the
words : "FIFTY DOLLARS," Printed by Hall and Sellers.
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Confederate Bond issued to J. B. Jones, father of J. B. F. Jones:
Confederate States of America, Depositary Office.
Center, Ala., Mch. 22, 1864.
This will certify that J. B. Jones has paid in a t this ofice One Thousand Eight Hundred ($1800) Dollars, for which amount, Registered
Bonds, of the Confederate States of America, bearing interest from this
date, a t the rate of four percent, per annum, will be issued to him, under
the "act to reduce the currency and to authorize a new issue of notes and
bonds," approved February 17, 1864, upon the surrender of this certificate a t this office.
J. C. Cunningham, Depositary.
By a n act of the Legislature of 1835 the town of Chattooga was made
the county seat and the following were named a s commissioners: John
Caldwell, Daniel Gartman, Lawson Black, Haley S. Tatum, John Allen.
This same Legislature appropriated $800 for building an academy for the
county. According to old citizens the name Chattooga was soon superceded by t h a t of Benton, and soon afterward it adopted its present name
-LaFayette.
Some old documents, still extant, dated in the latter thirties, a r e headed, "Walker C.H."
This writer, when a boy, once heard an old citizen say that the location of the tdwn was due to an Indian ball-play location at that place
before the county was organized-probably soon a f t e r the RevolutionThe first court was held at Crawfish Spring in an old Indian Court-House,
pending the election of one at the county seat, which was built of hewn
logs and served for some years till a more commodious building could be
established-probably in the forties.
LaFayette was a modest, but aristocratic village for half a century
after its establishment. The population was small, probably from 300' to
500 during these years, but it was composed of families of culture, education and refinement. A splendid school was maintained for the education of the young which was patronized by the surrounding country. A
few lawyers, doctors, merchants and numerous artizans formed the nucleus of the town which was surrounded by many well-to-do farmers,
many of whom had slaves to do the work of the farm.
The building of the Chattanooga, Rome and Carrollton railroad about
1888 gave the little town its first vision of prosperity. This was followed
two years later by the establishment of the first big enterprise, the Union
Cotton Mills. Mr. A. R. Steele was the genius who engineered this by
raising a subscription of $100,000 for the purpose. Later this was doubled and thus added materially to the prosperity of the town.
The following data concerning the Walker County Hosiery Mills will
be of increasing interest as the years pass: Organized in 1906. Capital
stock, $100,000. Manufactures mens' cotton hosiery. Officers : W. A.
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Enloe, Pres., J. M. Patton, V. Pres., W. B. Shaw, Secy., A. S. Fortune,
Treas. The company started with 80 machines which has been increased
to 400 now in operation. The daily output of men's cotton hosiery is the
largest of any similar plant in the country, being 2,400 dozen pairs, and
uses 750,000 pounds of carded yarns annually. The annual payroll is
approximately $200,000.00. Number of employees 300.
In 1898 the Chattanooga Knitting Mills decided to remove to Rossville,
Georgia, and enlarge their plant. The name was changed to Richmond
Hosiery Mills, and was chartered at $75,000. The business now has a
capital of $1,000,000 common stock, and the same amount preferred
stock. The plant covers a city block a t Rossville, including a spinning
mill of 6,000 spindles, dye house, knitting, boarding, finishing and shipping departments, together with main office. Number of knitting machines, 1,500; full-fashioned machines, 30; number of employees in normal times, about 2,000; value of raw silk consumed per annum, about
$1,000,000.00, and approximately the same amount of rayon; wool yarn,
about $100,000.00; number bales of cotton about 5,000. The annual payroll reaches beyond $1,000,000.00. Manufactures knit goods and hosiery
which is shipped to every part of the world.
Maintains a mill hospital with trained nurse in charge; gives assistance to community service, churches, educational and charitable institutions; maintains a school of its own for half-time pupils.
President, Garnett Andrews; V-Pres., Alex W. Chambliss; Treas., J.
Harvey Wilson.
The first legal execution in the county is said to have been that of
a man by the name of Hog Smith who was executed a t Crawfish Spring
for killing an Indian. This was while the sessions of the Superior Court
were held a t that place, and was probably in the early thirties. This
was told the author by the late W. C. Bailey and other old citizens who
heard it from older citizens of the county.
Pocket-Book and Cush, Indians, robbed and killed a man and his
wife by the name of Burk on the Napier old place, near Harrisburg, many
years before the war. They were tried and sentenced to be hanged and
were executed a t LaFayette. The field where the victims were buried is
still known as the Burk field.
William Mitchel, a white man, was hanged by Abner Mize, sheriff,
for slaying John Cole near Pond Spring, about 1859. Two negroes named
Cunningham and Barks were hanged by Sheriff McClatchey in 1883 for
killing a n old man by the name of Rudd near Mission Ridge.
A negro named Roscoe Marible was hahged by Sheriff Foster for
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slaying Mira Evitt near the tunnel on Pigeon mountain about 1895.
George Baker was hanged by Sheriff Harmon for killing Deputy Sheriff
Joe Morton in 1924 on Lookout mountain.
Probably no county in the state can show a greater percentage of its
citizens living to the ripe old age of 80 years and over than our county.
These examples of longevity have been gathered, many of them a t least,
by first hand as I have talked to the older people. Some have been taken
from old Bible records and some from markers in cemeteries. Many of
these are still living, but the greater number have "Crossed the Bar."
LAFAYETTE.Mrs. M. A. Borders 86; Mrs. M. E. Bidding 91; T. P.
Norman 91; W. P. Jackson 85; George Patterson 88; Joe Phipps 88; J.
D. McConnell 81; J. T. Ashworth and wife, each 83; W. H. Neeley 80;
El. L. Culberson 92; Miss Orpha Center 90; A. J. Caldwell 87; Rebecca
Goree 88; Clarentine Kelly Johnson 82; Susan Johnson 81 ; Rev. Joe
Wardlaw 83; R. H. Johnson 81; B. F. Loughridge 85, his wife 84; Alexander Stoker 80; G. S. Martin 80; Joshua Martin 88; Mary Marsh Allgood 94 ; Addie Marsh Warthen 90 ; Edwin W. Marsh 89 ; Jacob Srite 81 ;
Mrs. Hugh B. Johnson 83 ; Richard Baker 80; J. E. Thompson 80; Wm.
Fariss 85; Capt. J. C. Wardlaw 89; Mary A. Allgood 93; Alice. Allgood
86; Ruth Terrell Marsh 82; R. R. Turner Senr. 88; Rev. W. T. Russell
81; Andrew Lawson 87; James Park 81 : C. C. Bryan 83; James Andpew Park 84; J. F. Shaw 79 ; Nannie Foster 82 ; Dr. J. W: Nash 82;
Capt. J. M. Jackson 79; Betty Ezell 87; R. A. Watson 78; J. W.
Harmon 80; Dr. S. A. McArthur 81; Mrs. Laura G. Snow 80; T. P.
Henry 83 ; Martha J. Phillips 87; Parks Mashburn 80; J. H. Reed 82.
CHICKAMAUGA.
Sarah Roberts McWhorter 81 ; Andy Osborn 83; Joe
Weathers 83; J. R. Horton 81, his wife 81 ; Z. C. Conger 84; John Bradley 86 ; George Hixon 84; John J. Moore 90 ; L. W. Myers 83 ; Polly
Myers 84 ; Hartwell Weathers 93 ; Mary E. Mullis 87 ; Reuben Couch 87 ;
"Granny" Parcilla(?) Osborn 93; Victoria Thedford 81; W. A. Horton
84; James Lewis 80; Mary E. Osborn 85; Mrs. Susie Jane Osborn 80;
Temperance McWhorter 85; Charles Moore 93; John Lecroy 82; W. D.
West 84, his wife 82; W. M. Ireland 81; T. M. Ireland 80; Sallie Hall
Blaylock 80; Samuel Hall 81 ; Etha Moore 87; Daniel Prince 85; Mary
Harris 82; L. F. Coker 82; Rachel Schmitt 85; H. M. Thompson 83:
Susan Glass 84; Eliza Nations 84.
PONDSPRING. W. C. Bailey 84; Elizabeth Bailey Owings 81; J. N.
Wilson 85 ; Martha Hollingsworth 96; J. M. Madaris 83; Susan Cameron
83; Caroline Smith 92; Nancy Pilgrim 83 ; Joe Floyd 88; W. H. H. Simmons 84; Nancy Parker 84; Elvira Roark 81 ; Joe Henry 87; Duncan
Bryan 82; F. T. Ellison 82, his wife 92; John Parish 80.
EASTARMUCHEE.LUCYPuryear 88; Sarah Tate 86; R. M. Pitman
84; John A. Tate 80, his wife 84; J. A. Shahan 83, his wife 83; Miss
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Fannie Price 88; Wash Kinsey 89; Jesse Kinsey 85; John Puryear 86;
Mrs. J. N. Myers 80 ; Dr. Wilson Clements 90; George Heffner 86; Joseph
Travillian 82 ; Tuma Tarvin 86; Jane Jones 86 ; Priestly G. White 80; J.
E. White 82 ; Newton White 91 ; Nannie E. Clements 79 ; Elizabeth Keith
79 ; W. P. Tate 87; Sallie M. Tate 86 ; Nathan Keown 80 ; Ellen Travillian 80; Thomas Griffin 80, his wife 80 ; B. F. Elsberry 90 ; W. E. Elsberry
82 ; James Boastwick 90.
WESTARMUCHEE. J. T. Suttle 82; Susan Bomar McWilliams 85; Mrs.
Mary A. Lawrence 86; Mrs. Elizabeth Lawrence 82; B. J. Huggins 86;
Jane Bomar 82; S. E. McWiIliams 84; John Liles 79; Margaret McClure
84 ; Artemus Shattuck 81 ; William Little 81 ; Capt. William McWilliams
81, his wife, Nancy Neal, 88; Thomas Manning 87; A. H. Neal 79; W.
M. Potts 85, his wife 82; Rebecca Moore 86; J. F. Evans 81; J. H. C h a p
man 83; Elizabeth Hewatt 83; Jane McKnight 79; Mrs. W. J. Chapman
80; J. C. McWilliams 79; Frank McWilliams 87.
CHATTANOOGA
residents from Walker county. Mrs. B. M. Garrett
84 ; John C. Abercrombie 81 ; Temperance Kirkes 98.
LISBON.I. B. Kendrick 80.
LOOKOUT
MOUNTAIN. Catherine Massey 89 ; Nerve Drennon 91 ; Terre11 Brown 83; Melvina Ellison 84; Susan Elvira Strickland 80; Frances
Hixon 82; Sallie M. Prothro 81; Nathan T. Massey 90.
WILSON. Sarah Wall 83 ; Jane Mitchel83 ; B. L. Richardson 79 ; Jeremiah G. Blackwell 81 ; J. G. Lumpkin 86; Henry Wilson Boss 80; John A.
Woods 82; Wilburn Wall 79 ; Lecil Day 86; R. H. Mahan 89; F. B. McWhorter 80 ; Rev. John Boyles 87 ; Theron Crowder 89 ; John P. Long 90 :
Sarah Adeline Long 88; John Stoker 83; Sarah Chapman 86; Mrs. Ann
Harper 81.
CHATTANOOGA
VALLEY.T. H. Fowler 84; Miss Mary Ellis 82; H. G.
Mallicoat 93; A. M. Martin 88, his wife 82, sons, E. C. and W. R., 80 and
77 respectively.
The following have been reported a s having lived more than a century: Dr. Anderson 101; James Coulter 106; John Heffner 114.
KENSINGTON.Wm. Voiles 83; W. H. Martin 80; Ary Stephens 85:
Emeline Shepherd 81; Billy Free 82; Washington Ransom 84, his wife
84; Mrs. Margaret L. Agnew 96; S. B. Phillips 88; Henry Bowers 88;
R. L. Wallin 80, his wife 88; Mrs. James Parks Hall 84; Robert Johnson
79, his wife 87; Martha Wallin 88; R. H. Ellis 81 ; Ples Clark 79.
CEDARGROVE. Mrs. G . W. Harp 95; Kitty Simmons 87; Wm. Taylor
92; Margaret Srite Morgan 80; J. F. Smith 90, his wife 85; C. C. Ransom 85; Tom Hensley 92; H. M. C. Johnson 82; Elender Rawlings 80;
Sally Catlett 89 ; George W. Reed 81 ; Elexanna Evitt 83 ; Martha Bernberton 84; Capt. J. Y. Wood 85, his wife 83; Alexander Andrews 82;
Wesley Hobbs 85; W. M. Hunter 86; Ellen Hunter 86; W. C. Millican
86; Mrs. E. E. Bell 81 ; Henry Hise 82; Catherine Forester 79.
ROCKSPRING. Peter Jones 90 ; Nancy Middleton Jones 83 ; Harriet
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Brigman 84; Catherine Tyner 85 ; George Brigman 80 ; J. R. Tyner 81 ;
Elizabeth Brigman 80; J. W. McClure 84; Reese Jones 81; James
Weaver 80 ; W. A. Weaver 79 ; Ansel Massey 79 ; Moses Jackson 84; Rebecca Jackson 93; Elizabeth Lawrence 82; L. A. Conley 85; Celia Shields
85; Thomas S. Tapp 82; B. L. Chastain 81 ; William Conley 88; S. T.
Brice 82; James M. Wellborn 87; W. T. S. Adams 84; F. A. Thedford 80.
CHESTNUT
FLAT. Edom G. W. Moon 93; Mary Jones 91; Revis Jones
80; Mary Lowery 86; Marry Ann Moon 80; T. B. Cooper 86; W. J.
Arnold 81; Alexander Arnold 91,his wife 87.
CANE CREEK. Nancy Alexander 86; Marilla Lowery Myers 87; Mrs.
Fletcher 85; W. M. Ramey 87; J. A. McConkey 80.
ROSSVILLE. Joseph Au 81 ; Ersula Au 81; Angeline Brown 82; Wiley
Wall 81 ; R. B. Stegall89 ; John Hawkins 80, his wife 80; Alex. Martin 85,
hise wife 88; T. H. Fowler 83; Nancy Pearce 80; Xanders G. McFarland
85; T. G. McFarland 84; Sallie McFarland Thompson 81 ; John Buie
McFarland 81; Martha Pearce 80; John McClain 88; John B. Henderson
89 ; Nancy Clayton 88; J. P. Hixon 84 ; Mrs. "Granny" Miller 89 ; C. E.
Cooper 77.
The following have been reported as having celebrated the fiftieth
anniversary of their weddings. No doubt there are many others i n the
county who might have been thus recorded. F o r the sake of brevity only
the names of the husbands a r e given.
In eastern part of county: R. M. Pitman, E. F. Boman, J. A. Shahan.
Cape White, Thomas White, J. M. Roper, W. M: Bowen, John A. Tate,
Dan Kinsey, Alex Copeland, El. , R . Hamilton, George Heffner, A. H.
Cooper, Andrew Cooper, 'ohn Cook, T. A. Cooper, Frank MeWilliams,
Gus White, Newton KiKnsey, John Hall, Alex Arnold, W. W. Kinsey.
In central and southern part: G. S. Martin, R. A. Watson, J. T. Ashworth (66 yrs.), J. T. Renfro, Andrew Hicks, James R. Jones; B. F.
Loughridge (62 yrs.) , Wm. Glass, Calvin Wheeler, George Brigman,
Johnny Jones, A. J. Caldwell, Jacob Srite, John Miller (60 yrs.), A. E.
Rogers, G. W. Brown, John Ware, J. W. McClure, W. M. Ramey, John
Higgins, Maj. James M. Shields, Joel K. Landers.
In western part: 3. Y. Wood, Noah Meridith (60 yrs.), J. M. Ransom.
J. R. Hunter, Alex. Hunter, R. J. Glenn, M. M. Whitlow, J. A. Ridley,
Wash Harp, James Kirkes, Wm. Linzie Connally, W. H. Singleterry, John
Edwards, Harvey 'Rogers, Dr. Jim Lee, Dr. Th,ornberg, S. B. Phillips,
C. W. Smith, H. M. C. Johnson, James A. Coulter.
In northern part: J. A. R. Walker, J. C. Campbell, Hartwell Weathers.
Ed. Howard, J. H. Weathers, Hiram Mallieoat, L. C. Davis, Joseph Au,
B. M. Garrett, J. R. Hort,on, T. J. Parish, Charles Moore, B. F. Morgan,
S. B. Dyer, John Bonds, W. M. Ireland, Samuel Hall, T. H. Fowler, John
C. Abercrombie, F. T. Ellison, W. W. Ireland, J. H. Carlock.
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ANTEBELLUMHOUSES. One mile south of Chickamauga is the old
Couch house built in 1840 by John Couch, now owned by Peter Lewis.
It has an interesting history. I t was a haven of refuge for many women
and children as well as wounded soldiers during and following the Chickamaugs battle. It is said that "Uncle Dick" Glenn carried his sick
"missus" wrapped in a blanket to this house during the battle. It is of
log construction containing two rooms about 20 feet square with a hallway between.
Other antebellum houses are the following: On the Park-Kelly,
Dyer, Snodgrass, Viniard, Poe, Brotherton and McDonald houses; in
Cove-Lane, Sam Smith, Burl Hall, Floyd Stephens, John Phillips, and
Las Strickland houses; LaFayette-Cooper, Fortune, Dr. Shields, Dickerson, Culberson, Borders, Cromer, Warthen, Roland, Street, Ealoe,
Neeley, Spencer, Rea houses; East Armuchee-John Cavender, Pope,
Keith, Goodson, Shahan, Newton White, Dr. Clements houses; West
Armuchee-Capt. McWilliams, William McW-illiams, Frank McWilliams,
Robertson, McClure, Suttle, Neal, Copeland, Easterling, Blackwell (2
rooms), log house on the Story place, and others. The dining room and
kitchen of John R. Tyner, in rear of his-home, was built probably in the
t h i r t i e ~ e r t a i n l yin the early forties. It is of hewn logs and is one
of the most substantial log houses in the county.
HEIRLOOMS.Miss Mary Jones, granddaughter of James R. Jones,
who lives in Wood Station valley, has a much-prized heirloom in the old
"secretary" in which her ancestor kept the postoffice a t Rock Spring during the forties. Also, an old ledger.-Mrs. J. F. Stanfield has a teaspoon
carried through the war by her father, engraved as follows: "J. A. Eaton,
Co. C, 23 Regt., Ga. Vo1."-Mrs.
Lucy Hammond has a platter handed
down by her forbears said to have come over in the Mayflower.-Mr.
Pelly Blackwell has three old ledgers used by his ancestors in keeping
accounts, dating back to 1845.-J. B. F. Jones has a razor once used by
his great-grandfather, who died in 1832, also a quill pen used by his
father before the war, still serviceable.-Miss Nannie Jones (died 1931)
has a beautiful pitcher on which is the likeness of General Lafayette, inscribed thus: "Welcome, Lafayette, the Nation's Guest, and the Country's
Glory." It has been in the family more than a century.-'Squire J. C.
Myers of Chickamauga has fifty cents in paper money, greenback, given
to him by a veteran of the Union Army, an old soldier who was visiting
the Park in 1892, for which he has refused $75 by collectors.
HISTORICAL
ITEMS
IN SINGLESENTENCES.The city of Nashville, Tennessee, was named for the father of the late Thomas M. Nash, of LaFayette, who came from that state, near Nashville, many years ago.-Mr.
James A. Coulter of McLemore's Cove has planted and propagated the
Georgia rattlesnake watermelon continuously for more than fifty years.
-H. B. Colquit built the old Gordon mill, afterward called the Lee and
Gordon mill.-Crawfish
Spring was called by the Indians, "Spring of
Dead-Man's-Land," because of so many Indians dying a t that place of
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typhoid fever.-A
man by name of Andrew Kline built Shiloh church
about 1850.-Dr. Clendennon once had an office a t the southeast corner
of the square. He died in Texas during the seventies. He was the maternal ancestor of the Ward1aws.Noah Meridith was the first mail carrier from Cedar Grove to Chattanooga.-J. V. Little, oldest of 13 children, is said to have been the first white child born in West Armuchee
valley.-The county's tax returns for the year 1874 was $1921100.-It is
claimed that B. F. Hunt, Sr., was one of the first, if not the very first
Confederate soldier to fall in the Chickamauga battle, being killed on
Saturday morning, the first day of the battle by Yankee sharpshooters.
He was carried to his old home in Armuchee and buried after the battle.
He was the father of the two well-known and much beloved Baptist ministers, Revs. B. F. and J. GoHunt.-It is said that General Bragg planned
the battle of Chickamauga while under the old oak tree, afterwards called
the Bragg Oak, which stood till a few years ago in front of the John B.
Gordon Hall. It was killed by lightning.-Miss Jamie McCullough of
We& Armuchee has three old letters, heirlooms in the Suttle family, received from relatives in Virginia and North Carolina, dated 1824, 1826,
and 1831, showing cost of postage, which was 25c, 25c and 10e respectiveyl-.A
small /pocket Testament such as was carried by the soldiers of
the sixties shows that it was struck by a Minnie ball and perforated twothirds of the leaves. Tearing them out and glancing upward it was deflected and doubtless saved the life of the owner. This is in possession of
Mr. A. A. Gentry whose mother's first husband was carrying it in his
knapsack when shot. It is inscribed thus: "Shot in my knapsack on the
Dickerson carried the
27th of Nov. 1863. W. H. Dil1ahunty."-Robert
mail from LaFayette to Calhoun before the war.-Prof. Charles MeConley in a letter to the author says: "My great-grandfather was in the war
of the Revolution, my grandfather in the war of 1812, my father in the
Seminole Indian war and the Civil war, also three brothers and three
brothers-in-law in the Civil War and I had one son in the World war"a record hard to beat.
LARGE
FAMILIES.
What would be a reasonable estimate of the cost of
rearing a family of say ten children to maturity? How much actual expense would it incur? What would be the outlay for clothes, food, medicines, doctor bills, books, schooling, recreation, travel and various other
necessary expenses? The cost necessarily will vary according to the income of the family and their station in life. Taking the average farmer
of the county a s a median what may be expected to be spent on a child
till he is 18 years of age? This writer used to hear the opinion expressed, when living was much lower than at present, that $1,000.00
would be a low estimate for each child. $10,000.00 for ten children! But
in recent years when the cost of living has been so high, this estimate is
certainly far too low.
This does not take into account the multitude of little attentions neceasary for every child and which is freely given by the mother and other
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members of the family-the vigils a t the sick bed, the careful attentions
while baby is young or convalescing, the clothes-making, the cooking, the
washing, mending and ironing and such like attentions for which no
money outlay is seen, but which if performed by a hired servant would
amount to a large sum for each child.
What have parents done, therefore, who have reared a large family to
maturity ? Certainly they have performed no insignificant work. The
outlay in money has been considerable, the expense in work and anxiety
has been more. Those parents, therefore, who have reared, cared for
and educated a large family have performed no small task. This writer
has been interested in making a record of large families in the county.
The following is some indication of the results:
James R. Jones, 11 children, 10 boys, 1 girl. All lived to have families. R. M. Pitman, 12 children, 5 boys, 7 girls. All living but one
(1932). H. A. (Tip) Blaylock, 10 children, 8 boys, 2 girls, all lived to
be grown. S. B. Dyer, 15 children, 4 boys, 11 girls, 11 of these raised
families of their own. R. BeStegall, 17 children, 6 boys and 6 girls still
living (1932). L. C. Davis, 10 children, 2 boys, 10 girls, all to maturity.
Dr. M. M. Crowder, 10 children, 6 boys, 4 girls. All grown and living.
Charles McClure, 6 boys, 4 girls. L. A. Conley, 6 boys, 6 girls. D. B.
Baker, who settled in the county in 1855 near Cedar Grove, was the
father of 14 children, all lived to a ripe old age, one of these was Macajah
Baker a t one time tax collector of the county. Another, George Baker,
reared 9 children to maturity. A. E. Rogers, 6 boys, 6 girls. J. J.
Davis, 9 boys, 3 girls. George Glenn, 8 boys, 4 girls. Thomas N. Jones,
7 boys, 5 girls. Robert Patterson, 7 boys, 3 girls. Reese Jones, 5 boys,
7 girls. John B. Suttle, 1 boy, 8 girls. Orran W. Jones, 4 boys, 5 girls.
William Little, 9 boys, 5 girls-13 to maturity. Abraham Neal, 8 boys,
2 girls.
Webster Lawrence, 7 boys, 5 girls. (Some years ago, Mr. Lawrence
was given a prize of a bolt of cloth at the county fair for having present
J. M. Goodson, 7 boys, 5 girls. Arch Reed, 7
the largest family-14).
W.
A.
Weaver,
8 boys, 5 girls-10 living. George Hixon,
boys, 2 girls.
4 boys, 7 girls. Rev. James Drinnon, 5 boys, 7 girls. 10 lived to raise
families-wife lived to be 92 years old. Mr. Allgood, Chattanooga Valley,
7 boys, 6 girls. J. M. Clarkson, 8 boys, 2 girls. John Mahan, 7 boys, 3
girls. Andrew Cooper, 9 boys, 3 girls. Amos Welborn, married twice,
12 children by each marriage. George Hise, 5 boys, 4 girls. Nathan
Hise, 4 boys, 7 girls. Billy Hise, 9 boys, 2 girls. J. M. Henry, 6 boys, 3
girls. Jacob R. Brooks, 8 boys, 2 girls. Hiram Malicoat, 6 boys, 4 girls.
James Kirkes, 4 boys, 5 girls. James Voiles, 10 boys. H. G. Fuller, 8
boys, 3 girls. William Brooks, married twice, 15 children. Anthony
Voils, 7 boys, 5 girls. Rev. L. H. Stephens, 8 boys, 4 girls. Dr. J. C.
Lee, 5 boys, 8 girls. William Andrews, 14 children, all sat down around
table when grown. Henry Steverson, 9 boys grown and married. W. M.
Pettigrew, 10 boys, 2 girls. J. N. Steverson, 2 boys, 7 girls. Thomas
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Cooper, 7 boys, 2 girls. P. B. Steverson, 4 boys, 6 girls. W. S. Parker,
2 boys, 7 girls. P. W. Stanfield, 4 boys, 7 girls. R. A. Jennings, 4 boys,
4 girls. Andy Ford, 8 boys, 2 girls. Jacob Goodson, 6 boys, 6 girls. J.
C. Campbell, 5 boys, 5 girls. T. J. Parish, 3 boys, 7 girls. M. M. Whitlow, 2 boys, 8 girls, all to maturity and living. James Young, 6 boys, 6
girls. J. A. R. Walker, 12 children, 9 to maturity, 5 boys, 4 girls. Parks
Mashburn, 8 boys, 1 girl. A. M. Martin, pioneer, 1 4 children, 10 to maturity-two
sons, E. C. and W. R., now living a t Rossville. Lewis Watkins, 9 boys, 2 girls. Fred Stansell, 6 boys, 4 girls. P. H. Goodson, 6
boys, 4 girls. W. A. Vanhorn, 7 boys, 5 girls; 11 to maturity. W. A.
Chambers, 8 boys, 3 girls.
Chapter Forty
B
ECAUSE of i t s local history a s well as the quaint humor involved,
the following bit of State history is, by permission, taken -from
"Knight's Reminiscences of Famous Georgians," vol. 1, page 477 :
Mr. Knight says: Quite a dainty morsel of State history is humorously served by Major Smith (Bill Arp) in t h e story which he tells of
how the Georgia Colonels originated. "We used t o have musters all over
the State," says he, "twice a year. The militia were ordered out to be
reviewed by the commander-in-chief, which was the Governor. The Constitution required him to review 'em, and as he couldn't travel all around
in person, he had to do i t by proxy, and so he had his proxy in every
county, and he was called the Governor's aide-de-camp with the rank of
colonel. This gave the Governor over a hundred aides-de-camp, and they
all took it as a compliment and wore cockade hats with red plumes, and
epaulets, and long brass swords, and big brass spurs, and pistols in their
holsters, and rode up and down the line a t a gallop, reviewing the meelish.
The meelish were in a double crooked straight line in a great big field,
and were armed with shot guns and rifles, and muskets, and sticks, and
corn stalks, and thrash-poles, and umbrellas, and they were standing up
o r sitting down, o r on the squat, o r playing mumble peg, and they hollered for water half their time, and whiskey the other; and when the
colonel and his personal staff got through reviewing he halted about the
middle of the line and said: 'Shoulder arms-right
face-march,'
and
then t h e kettle drums rattled and the fife squeaked, and some guns went
off half cocked, and the meelish shouted awhile and were disbanded by
the captains of their- several companies.
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"These colonels held rank and title as long as the Governor held office,
and they were expected to holler hurrah for the Governor on all proper
occasions, and they d:d it. If the Governor ran again and was defeated,
the next Governor appointed another set from among the faithful, and
the old set had to retire from the field, but they held on to the title. For
a great many years the old Whigs and Democrats had it up and down,
in and out, and so new colonels were made by the score until the State
was chock full again.
"They had a general muster and grand review once up at LaFayette.
Bob Barry lived up there and was the mischief maker of the town. Bob
never wore shoes or hat and hardly anything else in those days, and he
had petted and tamed a great big long razor-backed hog, and could ride
him with a rope bridle, and so as the colonel and his staff came galloping down the line with his cockades and plumes and glittering swords,
Bob suddenly came out from behind a house, mounted on his razor-back
hog, and a paper cap with a turkey feather in i t on his head, and a pair
of old tongs swinging from his suspenders, and some spurs on his barefooted heels, and he fell in just behind the cavalcade, and got the hog on
a run, and scared their horses, and the whole concern ran away and the
hog after 'em, and such a yell and such an uproar was never heard in
those parts or anywhere else. The hog never stopped running till he
got home, when Bob dismounted and took to the woods for fear of consequences. Bob is running a Sunday school now, and I'm glad of it, for
i t will take a good deal of missionary work in him to make up for those
things the LaFayette people tell about.
"But these militia musters got to be such farces that the Legislature
abolished 'em about thirty-five years ago, though they couldn't abolish
the colonels. When the war broke loose most of 'em went into the army
and got reduced. Many a peace colonel got to be a war major or a captain, or even a high private, and in that way their ranks were thinned.
Our Governors, however, still make a few new ones as often as they are
elected, and so the peace colonel'is still destined to live and illustrate the
good old State."
Captain Augustus McHan of Carrollton, Georgia, soldier, educator,
gentleman, and man of affairs, established the Walker County Messenger at LaFayette, in 1877. Much interesting history is associated with
the first efforts t o launch the infant as a member of the State Press. Mr.
McHan had just passed through the great panic of 1873 in which he lost
all save a determination to succeed in life, and after various discouraging efforts he succeeded in purchasing a small hand press and with his
family came to LaFayette, where, with his small son, E. A., who had
previously learned the printer's trade, issued the first paper on July 27,
1877. It was christened "Walker County Messenger" by its foundera most h ~ p p yappellation.
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The young son, E. A., who afterward became foreman, says of the
first issue: "The first issue of the Messenger, a six column, four-page
paper, was issued on the 27th day of July, 1877. The paper was housed
upstairs, over John Shaw's store, on the corner where the Foster House
now stands (now the Pan-Am Station). How well do I remember the
first paper taken from that old Washington hand press late in the afternoon of that day. The room was full of people, so full, that we actually
became fearful of a cave-in of the floor. I was only a boy, 16 years old,
weighing only nine-nine pounds, but as that first issue of the Messenger
was spread out before that waiting crowd, I would not have exchanged
places with the President of the United States."
The paper filled a long-felt want and became the official organ of the
county, as well as, also, of Chattooga, Catoosa and Dade counties till
papers were established in those counties. In the founder's account 'of
those trying days, grateful reference is made to Hon. Judson C. Cleme n t ~and Mr. McCutchen, who each advanced $25 to pay for necessary
supplies with which to start the paper. During the first year these loans
were repaid together with the initial cost of the press while the paper
was also enlarged to seven columns. About this time the New York World
carried a write-up in its columns that Adolph Ochs of Chattanooga, was
the youngest publisher of a daily paper, and that E. A. McHan of LaFayette was the youngest publisher of a weekly paper in the South.
In 1880, Captain N. C. Napier bought the paper from the founder and
became owner and publisher, but retained young McHan as foreman.
Later the young foreman and George M. Napier, son of the owner, leased
the paper and ran it till 1886, when the owner again assumed the editorship, in which position he continued till his death in 1902. After his
death the paper was run by his estate, N. C. Napier, Jr., being editor.
In October, 1915, Mr. E. P. Hall, Jr., a Walker county boy who had
recently finished his education at the University of North Carolina and
had traveled extensively in Europe and Asia, purchased the paper from
the Napier Estate and became the editor and publisher. Mr. Hall had
previously been associated with the paper as assistant editor and contributor. He had thus shown not only his skill, aptitude and ability for the
work, but incidentally had become aware that it was a work to his liking,
and seeing an opportunity to launch out into an agreeable, if responsible,
avocation, he negotiated the deal and so became sole owner.
Mr. Hall put the paper on a cash-in-advance basis which has operated
so well that the paper is now on a firm financial standing. The young
editor i s an outstanding advocate of all matters for the progress of the
town and county. Too, he is on the right side of all moral questions and
does not fail to say so. The paper is widely read throughout the county
and circulates largely in many other counties and states.
The Walker County Messenger is one of the outstanding weeklies of
the state.
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ROSSVILLENEW AGE. In 1906 Mr. W. D. B. Chambers established a t
Rossville the "Rossville New Age," a weekly newspaper of the Democratic faith, which was continued till 1917 when the plant was destroyed
by fire. The loss was so great to the owner that he was never able to
obtain another printing outfit.
During its life the New Age was a staunch friend of Rossville and
Walker county and contributed much toward the upbuilding of the community.
ROSSVILLEOPEN GATE.The progressive citizens of Rossville often
speak of their town as the first city of the State, and this is literally true
to travelers going south. It is as if the city was a gateway to the state.
Taking cognizance of this happy thought the promoters of the new paper
established a t Rossville on April 10, 1925, named the infant, "Rossville
Open Gate."
The editor is Mr. J. M. Bryan, while the business manager is Mr. C.
E. Carter, and these two gentlemen are owners and publishers of the
paper. It is a weekly Democratic paper.
At first it had a struggle to exist-and this is true of most young
enterprises, but to-day the business is on firm ground and the investment is earning fair dividends.
Because of its situation, no community in the county has a brighter
future than the city of Rossville. It takes no prophet to predict a great
city a t that place within the next few decades. The Open Gate, therefore, with proper business management, is likely to enjoy much prosperity as the years come on. The management is progressive and stands
four-square for any and every movement that will make the town and
county a bigger, better and happier place to live.
The doctor from time immemorial has been held in high esteem. Anciently, especially among primitive peoples, he was regarded with more
or less reverence, and superstition, vestiges of which still adhere to him
in some communities. The history of medicine dates back to the dawn
of recorded history among the Egyptians. Those mysterious characters
used by the doctor in his prescriptions to the druggist which resemble a
bug's track after crawling through ink were used by the Egyptian apothecary and have been handed down to us from that remote age.
The pioneer practitioners of the county were not unlike those of other
sections of that early time. Many of them were not graduates of medicine, probably, but were what were called botanic or "yarb" doctors.
Even so, they were generally men of wide experience and good common
sense and by dint of study and hard work learned much about the treatment of most of our common diseases. One of these doct.ors once related
the following to this writer: He was hurriedly called to attend a patient
who \had been wounded and was bleeding severely and was feared he
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would bleed to death. H e hurried off with the messenger without time
to consult any medical authority on the subject, wondering what he should
do when he arrived a s he knew nothing to do. As he trotted along the
narrow rough mad he spied in front of him some green persimmons
hanging from a tree. Without stopping he tore off a branch and when
he arrived made a strong solution of the juice, which when applied to the
wound was efficacious in stopping the flow of blood.
But many of these old doctors were graduates of medical colleges and
as auch were well up on medical treatment. The old-time doctor was no
fool as shown by the following incident: The story is told t h a t Doctor Barry, a Walker county practitioner, had a patient, a lady of
wealth and refinement, who had
lost her voice. After thorough,
careful examination that no mistake be made, he called for a bucket
of cold water. The cover was turned
down and the bucket of cold water
was quickly emptied on the lady
from her face downward. Instantly, a s soon a s a deep beath could be
drawn, her voice was restored to its
pristine beauty and power. The
author had this story from Dr. J.
H. Hammond.
The late J. P. Hall, an eye witness, once related the following incident: A patient was suffering
from a dislocated jaw bone. Two
of Walker's good doctors after
some two hours of hard work and
DR. J. H. HAMMOND
worry had failed to reduce the dislocation. A lady present, noting
their exhaustion and despair, said: "Gentlemen, I am not a doctor and
don't like to butt in, but I have always heard that steaming oats is a
good remedy." The suggestion was at once acted upon; a bundle of
oats tied over head and face and hot water poured on. Immediately the
bone slipped into place.
An old custom in Walker, now rapidly passing, was the neighborly
attentions given t o a sick neighbor. When a case of serious sickness
which continued for weeks occurred, the neighborhood divided itself into
shifts to watch by the bedside in order t o relieve the family, each knowing his appointed night. No lack of help then. Most of this, like many
other old customs is now history, since we now have the trained nurse,
so helpful in serious sickness.
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DR. D. C . FARISS
DR. C. C. CORDON
DR. R. B. DICKERSON
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A century ago there were few roads throughout Cherokee Georgia,
and those few scarcely more than bridle paths. The doctor was often
called f a r away from home, almost a hundred miles in extreme cases.
This journey he made horseback, traveling for days-almost day and
night, being away from home probably a week. Dr. Barry, mentioned
above, was occasionally called as far as the Coosa River and further to
attend severe cases of sickness, three days or more being consumed in
making the trip, and most of this time spent in the saddle; strenuous
work, this. Dr. Hammond relates this circumstance concerning one of
Dr. Barry's trips to see a patient
whose home was on the Coosa river.
The patient was suffering from
rheumatism, which the doctor after
thorough and careful examination
was convinced was more or less
feigned. Spending the night a t the
patient's home the doctor by morning had decided on the treatment.
It was a beautiful morning in June.'
The doctor walked up and down the
bank of the river to select a suitabel location. Returning he had
the patient placed on a stretcher
and ordered fpur servants to take
him up and follow him. Arriving
a t the location selected he had him
suddenly plunged into the river.
The treatment was efficacious, but
the doctor, fearing consequences,
letf prematurely. (Dr. Hammond
says this story was vouched for by
the late Dr. Glenn, a s also, by Dr.
Barry's daughter, Mrs. W. A.
DR. P. S. ANDERSON
Moore).
The old-time country doctor carried a supply of drugs in his eaddle
bags. No writing of prescriptions with him. When he had arrived
at his patient's bedside and diagnosed the case he opened his "pill box''
and carefully measured out and labelled each medicine, and in case of
serious sickness, to carefully write down full directions till his return.
With what awe and amazement the younger members of the family
would look on as the doctor opened his medicine chest and began to
take out the contents! To them he was almost super-human.
The following list comprises some of the pioneer doctors of the county: Dr. Adam Clements, Dr. Bailey, Dr. Joseph Marsh, Dr. Tarvin (Indian), Dr. Lee, Dr. Jarnigan, Dr. Cole, Dr. Catlett, Dr. Hogan, Dr. R. H.
Dyer, Sr., Dr. T. Y. Park, Dr. Asa Fricks, Dr. Barry, Dr. Whit McGuffey,
I
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Dr. D. C. Fariss, Dr. Daniel Abbey (Rock Spring), Dr. Charles H. Holland, Dr. G. G. Gordon, Dr. Glenn, Dr. Thornburg, Dr. Anderson, Dr.
Story, Dr. Simmons, Dr. W. H. Wilbanks, Dr. Blackwell, Dr. J. WeClement, Dr. G. W. Cochran, Dr. A. Hawkins.
Other later doctors are the following: Dr. Julius Broyles, Dr. G. W.
Jones, Dr. Fricks, Dr. Jenkins, Dr. Bolen, Dr. Stillson, Dr. Bush, Dr.
Cunningham, Dr. L. M. Mitehel, Dr. C. C. L. Rudicil, Dr. Dan Alsobrook,
Dr. T. D. McKeown, Dr. S. W. Fariss, Dr. J. P. McWilliams, Dr. J. M.
Underwood, Dr. Hunt, Dr. S. V. Price
Present doctors practicing in the county :
LaFayette: Dr. J. H. Hammond, Health Commissioner; Dr. J. A.
Shields, Dr. R. M. Coulter, Dr. Dewey Hammond, Dr. S. B. Kitchens.
Villanow : Dr. J. J. Johnson.
Cedar Grove: Dr. M. M. Crowder, Dr. J. P. Wood.
Kensington: Dr. J. P. Hunter.
Chickamauga: Dr. H. F. Shields, Dr. We M. Spearmen, Dr. D. G.
Elder.
Rossville: Dr. Sam Alsobrook, Dr. B. C. Hale, Dr. G. P. Wilbanka.
Rock Springs: Dr. E. H. Hice.
In 1927 Dr. W. A. Loach, druggist, erected a t LaFayette an up-to-date
sanitarium, complete in all respects. It is in charge of Dr: R. M. Coulter,
while all other physicians of the county have access to i t as practitionere.
It was erected a t a cost of approximately $50,000.00.
When the county was organized it was placed in the Cherokee circuit,
and continued there till the amount of business made it necessary to form
a new circuit when it was placed in the Rome circuit. This was about
1869.
In those early days before the time of railroads the judge generally
traveled by horse-back, and was likely to be accompanied by a bevy of
lawyers who followed him to the various courts where they engaged in
the legal practice of law. They put up a t the public inn or tavern and
this became the headquarters for court attaches when court was not in
session. Here for days or weeks they remained and to beguile the time
i t was spent in story-telling, everyone during this time becoming familiar
with the new stock of "yarns." When court was dismissed the judge with
the lawyers departed for the next court in another county.
The census of 1850 lists the following a s among the early lawyers of
the county: William Daugherty, Vines Harwell, A. L. Borders, James R.
Gambell, C. D. McCutchen, A. F. Burk, Augustus Culberson, Thomas P.
Aycock, H. B. Johnson, Lawson Black, M. N. B. J. K. Alley, Andrew G.
Gordon, Henry L. Sims.
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Other lawyers of more recent date, as well a s the present are: D. C.
Sutton, William Wright, H. P. Lumpkin, R. M. W. Glenn, James P. Shattuck, John W. Bale, 0. N. Chambers, John D. Pope, D. F. Pope, W. M.
Henry, T. W. Lee, W. J. Nunnally, James E. Rosser, Earl Jackson, Walter
B. Shaw, S. W. Fariss, Julius Rink, Norman Shattuck, J. R. Rosser, Horace
Shattuck, Neil Andrews, J. M. Hutcheson, Charles Robert Jones, F. M.
Gleeson, G. W. Lankford, J. E. Ensign. (R. F. and W. A. MeClure, Tennessee attorneys, practice much in the Walker Superior Court).
Chapter Forty-one
The Post Omce--"Nessenger of sympathy and love--servant of parted Mends--coneoler of the lonely-bond of the scattered family-enlarger of the common life. Carrier
of news and knowledge-instrument of trade and industry-promoter of mutual acquaintance of peace and good-will among men and nations." (Engraved in marble on the walh
of the national postoface at Washington).
S a matter of general interest the author has tried to collect information concerning the postoffices of the county, both present
and past. Reliable data about these, a s about many other matters has been hard to assemble. Records in most of the older postoffices
were destroyed during the war and only by talking with very old persons
has it been possible to learn even the postmasters a t t h a t time.
The James R. Jones ledger, mentioned elsewhere, is interesting a s
giving much information regarding postoffice rules and regulations sixty
years ago. It appears that Mr. Jones was the postmaster during the
sixties and seventies. He kept records in this old ledger. One page devoted to the cancellation of stamps gives the daily cancellation and makes
note of the arrival and departure of mail. The following entries are
seen :
1867: Feb. 25, "No mail, horse gave out." Feb. 27, "No mail, horse
gave out." Mar. 4, "No mail, high water, Chickamauga." Mar. 6, "NO
mail, high water, Chickamauga." Same entry for the following dates:
March 7, 9, 11, 14, 16. On March 18, is the single entry, "Mail," which
means that the mail came that day.
The number of letters received at this office during the week ending
June 30, 1867, was 34. The numober leaving for the same date was 24.
This entry: "There was a package of postage stamps passed 'here for
P. M. Trion Factory June 3, 1867. No. 10075." Also this: "Received at
this ofice one package of postage stamps, 600, $18, from New York, NO.
4343, July 25."
This entry: "James Gray takes Southern Recorder, the first came to
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this office April, 1845. Moses Park takes the Christian Index, Penfield,
Ga., the first came to this office June first, 1845."
The following entry is noted: The Cincinnati Weekly Times taken
by the following persons. The first came to this office Jan. 7; J. R. Jones,
5c paid ; 0,da Castleberry, 5c paid; D. W. Jones, 5c paid ; George Brigman, 20c paid for the year; R. M. Jones, 5c paid for the quarter; J. R.
Gladdon, 5c paid for 1 qr.; J. H. Smith, paid 20c; Levi Bird, paid 5c;
Philip Bird paid 5c; Wm. James paid 5c; A. Swicegood paid 5c.
Another entry: Names of persons taking papers a t Rock Springs;
Walker County, Ga., the last quarter in 1866: "New York Ledger, taken
by Miss C. Shields once a week, paid 5c; Saturday Evening Post, taken
by 18 Subscribers. Paid." "The names below take the Jolly Joker: W.
R. Cooper; J. M. Cooper; W. W. Gladden; A. Cooper; Jacob Arnold;
Rutherford; J. Thomas; S. M. McDaniel." All marked 5c paid.
There are numerous other entries similar to the above giving the
names of many of the old citizens of the Rock Spring section back in the
forties and on to the seventies, showing that they were patrons of the
postoffice a t that place and showing too how postal affairs were conducted in those early times. I t is seen that a subscriber for a paper not only
must pay for the paper but must also pay the postage on i t ; and this
was done a t the office where he got his mail. The postage seems to have
been 5 cents per quarter, or 20 cents a year. The postmaster kept a
record of all these transactions.
Other names in this old ledger given as taking various other papers
and paying for them are: Milton Lawrence; J. A. Bowman; G. W.
Brewer; Elizabeth Brigman ; Thomas Lawrence; A. Hicks; G. W. Jackson ; F. D. Brigman; Wm. Glass; J. M. Shields and many others.
Most of these transactions occurred after the surrender. Looking
back we may see these old citizens trying to get in touch with the country after the bloody conflict. They were reaching out for knowledge and
for information. They were not content to isolate themselves and to live
to themselves and become hermits, so to speak. They had lost the war
and no doubt they were discouraged and blue. Times were hard and
money scarce, but with all this they wanted to recover and assume their
proper places in life. They did it.
In our imagination we may see these hardy folk going once a week
to the postoffice for the mail. The paper is carried home and read and
re-read, and then probably exchanged with his neighbor for one of another kind. On Sundays as they visit each other, or a t church, the latest
news from the papers is discussed and passed on to others. It took men
of iron wills and muscles of steel to overcome the inconveniences and
hardships through which our ancestors passed. All honor to their memory!
CRAWFTSH SPRING,afterward changed to Chickamauga. It is not
known just when this office was established, probably in the latter sixties
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or early seventies. Mr. James M. Lee was the postmaster till his death
in 1889. Other postmasters are the following: J. T. Blaylock 1889-92;
M. T. Bonds 1893-97; Paul J. Murphy 1897-01; Beatrice Henry Myers
1901-03; C. W. Richter 1903-05 ; James H. Blaylock 1905-08 ; E. H. Wyatt
1908-12; S. D. Blaylock 1912 (May to August) ; J. L. Moore 1912-14;
Jesse H. Hicks 1915-16; George L. Bonds 1916-18; Jesse H. Hicks 1918R.F.D. Route No. 1, established 1904. Gordan We!lace carrier June
to September. J. D. Welch 1904-date. Route No. 2, established 1905.
W. W. Ireland was first carrier to June, 1921. Clark B. Hearn, 1921-date.
CEDARGROVE. Established before the war. There have been only
three post masters at that office all these years as follows: Aaron Smith;
J. F. Smith; 0. T. Simmons. This office was supplied from Chattanooga
once a week, later twice a week, then three times a week. After the
T. A. G. railroad was built the mail came daily. Noah Meridith was carrier to and from Chattanooga.
POND
SPRING. Established in the fifties. As far as can be ascertained
the following have served as postmasters : Joe Limmocks ; Pony Mathis ;
Samuel Hall ; Dave Hall; Ave Glenn; J. P. Hall; Charley Glenn. Discontinued about 1905.
HIGH,
on Lookout Mountain, established 1895. Postmasters : Mra.
Charley Taylor; Delia Howard. After it was discontinued another office
was established at
LOOKOUT
in the same community. Charley Henry P.M.
NAOMI. Established about 1875. Postmasters : Johnny ~ c l l o n a l d
and Barney Edge. Discontinued about 1905.
DUCK CREEK. White's Statistics mentions this office in 1849. The
following are remembered as postmasters : A. B. McWhorter ; Asa Lumpkin; Tom Blackwell; J. D. McConnell; Rev. T. B. Dodd; W. A. Wardlaw.
CENTERPOST. Postmasters : T. J. Lumpkin; M. A. McConnell; C.
C. Bryan.
BRONCO. (First kept a t Hendricks place). Postmasters: W. P.
Blackwell ; L. B. McWhorter ; J. R. Wardlaw.
SHARPE. J. A. Williams, P.M.
GUILD. Established about 1888. Postmasters : W. 0. Alexander ; Sam
Edmonson ; Rube Underwood ; W. C. McWhorter.
ASCALON. Established in the early eighties: Postmasters: J. L.
Moore; Otto Bostrom; W. A. Chambers; C. A. Chambers; J. W. Oliver.
DILLON. Established in the eighties. Postmasters : Miss Lila HOWard; Mrs. J. W. Bryan; Thomas Stephens. Discontinued 1927.
SALEM. Established about 1884. J. T. Renfro P. M.
MANCO.Established 1884. W. C. Blackwell P. M.
CATLETT. Established 1898. Postmasters : B. Catlett ; Tom Sims.
SCOTT. About 1881 this office was established one-half mile west of
Lee and Gordon's mill. Jesse Ireland wag postmaster. Its life was short.
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SNOW
HILL.
This office was operated about one mile south of Lee and
Gordon's mill before the war. It is not k n ~ w nwho the postmaster was.
ZONE.Named in honor of Zone Fowler, daughter of Doc Fowler. Established 1903. Postmasters : Doc Fowler ; Mr. Lockeby ; Lula Puryear ;
Bertha Warnock.
"Uncle" Billy Hixon says there was no postoffice on the mountain before the war. The inhabitants got their mail from Eagle Cliff. About
1885 a star route was established to supply the offices a t Dillon, Ascalon
and Gerber. A few years later an office was established a t Guerry. When
the latter was discontinued Hinkle was established and operated for 25
years with T. M. Massey as postmaster. This office was discontinued in
1930 when the rural route was started from Rising Fawn. A postoffice
at Pittsburg has been in existence for probably 40 years. No record of
postmasters a t hand.
ROSSVILLE.The first office was established in 1819, when the Federal
star route ran from Nashville to Augusta. The early inhabitants of
Ross' Landing (Chattanooga), got their mail a t Rossville. This office
was in existence for many years, but eventually was discontinued. During a part of this discontinuance an office was established on the Tennessee side, called Divine, which in turn was abolished and Rossville again
took its place.
As f a r as records are available the following have served as postmasters: Mr. Taylor, I. M. Flegall, Charles Robert Jones, 1906-14; 19221932, J. S. Alsobrook, 1914-22; G. W. Bryan, 1932-.
The rural route service was begun about 1905, displacing the following offices : Mission Ridge, Lytle, Hargraves, Dodge. Earlier carriers
were: Larkin A. Brown, W. H. Frazier, C. V. Henderson, J. W. Terrell,
F. G. Shambaugh, Ed Veazey, J. J. Rhyne. Present carriers: Luke E.
Williams, Gordon H. Gilbert. City carriers : James F. Ireland, Russell
R. Shaver, Lester C. Teeters, Subst.
Office Help: Miles T. Gilbert, Asst. P.M., Gaith D. Lamb, John C. McDaniel, Charles W. Schmitt, Thomas Velton Williams, John R. Williams,
A branch of the office a t Ft. Oglethorpe is in charge of J. W. White.
LAFAYETTE.
Miss Orpha Center says that Miss Gene Kelly was postmistress for a time during the war; that during a part of the war there
was no office and no mail. Miss Kelly succeeded Boud Johnston. Others
were: Doc Kelley, Jim Rogers, Esther M. Waters, Ock Rogers, Wm. Carroll, Mr. Snow, Mrs. Snow, A. S. Sparks, Frank Farris, James A. Allen.
Present R.F.D. carriers: T. A. O'Neal, route No. 1; W. M. Hammond,
route No. 2 ; J. R. McCurdy, route No. 3; W. R. Neely, route No. 4; W.
C. Smith, route No. 5; B. F. Lawrence, route No. 6. Other carriers have
been: R L. Powell, W. J. Farrow, J. J. Mattox, Oliver H. Linn.
Office Help: J. J. Mattox and John Craig, clerks; E. E. Baker, city
carrier, Neal Watts, subst.
An old copy of Minutes of the Coosa Baptist Association for ,1854
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mentions the following post offices then in the county: Chestnut Flat,
Wood Station, Frix Gap.
WESTERN
LODGENO. 91, I?.
& A. M.
Chartered October 31, 1849.
Ebenezer Stockbridge, W.M.
Richard A. Lane, S.W.
Archibald T. Burke, J.W.
Wm. C. Dawson, Grand Master
Jas. F. Cooper, Dep. Grand Master
A. A. Gaulding, S.G.W.
Wqm.R. Kitchen, J.G.W.
Peter Solomon, Grand Treasurer
Simri Rose, Grand Secretary
Ebenezer Stockbridge, W.M.
Richard A. Lane, S.W.
Archibald T. Burke, J.W.
Jas. R. Gamble, Treas.
.John Caldwell, Secty.
Andrew J. Healan, S.D.
Thds. P. Kelly, J.D.
A. W. T. Clendenen, Chaplain
Edw. R. Sasseen
John Dickson
Stewards
Jas. H. Rogers
Madison E. Rhodes
Augustus B. Culverson
Edwin El. Marsh
Thomas M. Nash
Wm. A. Moore
John McWhorter
William Simmons
Jos. M. Wardlaw
John M. Gregory
Horace Lindsey
Benj. W. Keaton
Richard 0.Gordon
Calvin W. Simmons
Saml. W. Thomas
Greenbury G. Gordon
Abraham Martin
Adam Clements
James Gray
Cicero D. McCutchen
Thomas D. Kelly
1850-62Richard A. Lane
1863-65No return
1866-67-M. E. Rhodes
1868-69-G. W. Holden
1870-71-D. C. Fariss
1872 J o h n Dickson
1873 -Benj. L. Chastain
1874 M . E. Rhodes
1875 -J. He McWhorter
1876 J o h n Dickson
1877 -A. A. Simmons
1878-82Jas. H. McWhorter
1883-84--H. P. Lumpkin
1885 W m . A. Foster
1886 J a s . H. McWhorter
1887-88-B. F. Thurmond
1889 J . H. McWhorter
1890-94-H. P. Lumpkin
1895-96John R. Steele
1897 -Jas. P. Shattuck
1898-00-John R. Steele
1901 J a s . P. Shattuck
1902 -W. A. Nickols
1903-04-J. E. Patton
1905 J . H. Hammond
1906-07-W. E. Withers
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1908 -So W. Fariss
1909 -4. P. Hall
1910 -W. J. Shattuck
1911-12-Jno. W. Bale
1913 J . P. Hall
1914 -R. A. Whatley
1915 -0. W. Bledsoe
1916-17-E. P. Hall, Jr.
1918 -J. P. Hall
1919 -Jas. P. Shattuck
1920-21-J. P, Hall
1922 -D. W. Herndon
1923 -J. W. Massey
1924 -Thos. W. Bryan
1925 -Frederick Moore
1926 -J. M. Patton
1927-28-J. R. Rosser
1929 -Roy R. Neely
1930 -John V. CraigJ. B. Freeman
1931 R . H. Pittman
1932 -0. W. Bledsoe
LaFayette Chapter No. 107 was organized July 1, 1914, with 0.W.
Bledsoe, WorthyPatron; Mrs. E. A. Jackson, Worthy Matron., The following were charter members: 0. W. Bledsoe, Mrs. 0.W. Bledsoe, R. A.
Whatley, Mrs. R. A. Whatley, E. A. Jackson, Mrs. E. A. Jackson, J. E.
Patton, Mrs. J. E. Patton, Dr. J. A. Shields, Mrs. J. A. Shields, Miss
Carrie McCall, Dr. R. M. Coulter, Mrs. R. M. Coulter, Dr. J. H. Hammond,
R. D.Love, Henry Ball, Mrs. Henry Ball, J. M. Coley, C. M. Conley, Mm.
C. M. Conley, J. R. Greene, J. P. Hall, J. W. Holland, D. W. Herndon, Miss
Nannie Jones, Miss Emma Jones, J. C. Knox, Mrs. J. C. Knox, J. W.
Murray, Mre. J. W. Murray, Mrs. Susie Robinson.
The following have served as Worthy Matron: Mrs. E. A. Jackaon,
Mra. R. A. Whatley, Miss Madge Conley, Mrs. H. J. Spencer, Mrs. 0. W.
Bledsoe, Mrs. G. W. Ashworth, Mrs. Mollie Scrugs, Mrs. J. C. Keown,
Mra. Grace Burney, Mrs. D. C. R. Myers, Miss Mary Johnston, Miss Johnnie Williams; and the following as Worthy Patron: 0. W. Bledsoe, R. A.
Whatley, D. T. Cooper, D. M. Cornett, and R. D. Love.
The present officers are: Johnnie Williams, W.M.; 0. W. Bledsoe,
W.P.;Willie Craig, Associate Matron; G. W. Ashworth, Asso. P.; Mrs.
0. W. Bledsoe, Sec.; Mrs. W. C. Burney, Treas.; Mrs. R. V. Thurman,
Cond.; Mrs. J. L. Rowland, Asso. Cond.; Mrs. H. D. Scruggs, Chap.; Mra.
H. V. Henry, Org.; Mrs. D. M. Cornett, War.; Dr. J. H. Hammond, Sen.;
Mrs. W. R. Neeley, Adah; Mrs. H. P. Burney, Ruth; Mrs. T. A. Cochran,
Esther; Mrs. H. J. Spencer, Martha; Mrs. G. W. Ashworth, Electa.
Number of active members a t present, 48; number initiated since organization, 141. The Chapter clothes and cares for a little orphan boy,
Wade Martin, eight years old, a t the Masonic Home, Macon, Georgia,
whom all the members love dearly.
CRAWFISHSPRINGS
LODGENO. 300, F. & A. M.
Chickamauga, Ga.
Crawfish Springs Lodge, No. 300, F. & A. M., was instituted December 25, 1874, by the following:
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E. R. White (P. M. Meigs Lodge No. 266), Grand Master P r o Tern
J. H. Gardner (P. M.), Grand Senior Warden Pro Tern.
J. H. McWhorter (W. M.), Grand Junior Warden Pro Tern.
J. F. Smith, Grand Secretary Pro Tern.
The following officers were elected :
Worshipful Master-A. I. Leet (P. M.)
Senior Warden-J. J. Jones
Junior Warden-L. K. Dickey
Treasurer-J. M. Lee
Secretary-J. C. Gordon
Senior Deacon-W. M. Foster
Junior Deacon-B. M. Garrett
Senior Steward-J. D. Strange
Junior Steward-Wm. Burke
Tyler-J. T. Bilbo
Chaplain-W. T. Park
The charter members were:
J. M. Bird
A. I. Leet
T. Y. Park
J. C. Gordon
J. B. Donegan
Allen Thedford
C. G. Smith
J. M. Lee
G. W. Jones
J. C. Hall
W. H. Garmany
W. T. Park
J, J. Jones
D. C. Payne
J. T. Bilbo
B. M, Garrett
H. J. Conley
W. A. Foster
L. K. Dickey
A.. Woods
A. Mitchell
G. W. H. Anderson
J. D. Strange
M. W. Owings
Wm. Strange
M. M. Phillips
H. P. Tierce
T. S. Phillips
J. R. Cravens
Thos. Harris
J. M. Head
Wm. Burke
H.
C. Christian
D. B. Baker
ROSTER
OF MASTERS
WHOHAVESERVEDTHE LODGE.
1875-1932.
.
1875-76-A. I. Leet
1877 -L. K. Dickey
1878 A . I. Leet
1879 J . J. Jones
1880 A . I. Leet
1881-82-L. K. Dickey
1883 -A. I. Leet
1884 -L. K. Dickey
1885 J . J. Jones
1886 -L. K. Dickey
1887 -J. B. Henderson
1888 -J. J. Jones
1889 -0. R. Henderson
1890 J . J. Jones
1891-92-E. P. Hall
1893 -J. J. Jones
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1894 -E. P. Hall
1896 -J. J. Jones
1897 -R. L. Catlett
1898 -J. P. Hall
1899 -W. A. Horton
1900 -PI. J. Nunnelly
1901 -J. J. Jones
1902 -J. T. Kirkpatrick
1903-04-T, W. Lee
1905 -C. C. L. Rudicil
1906 -R. B. Bagwell
1907 -T. W. Lee
1908 -E. P. Hall
1909 -Lee H. Dyer
1911 J . A. Sartain
1912 T . W. Lee
1913 -W. H. Henderson
1914 -Don Harris
1915 -W. M. H O U S C ~
1916 -J. F. Henderson
1917 -Lee H. Dyer
1918 -T. 33. Hunt
19i9 -R. U. Harper
1920 -Lee H. Dyer
1921 -Frank L. Burnside
1922 -D. A. Jewell, Jr.
1923-24-R. H. Jewell
1925 -E. G. Glenn
1926 -F. H. Henderson
1927-28-E. B. Osborn
1929 -C. R. Ireland
1930 -B. R. Stogsdill
1931 -R. R. Shaver
1932 -Joe Reed
The officers serving the lodge at present are:
Worshipful Master-J. D. Reed
'Senior Warden-C. G. Murdock
Junior Warden-W.
H. Edwards
Secretary-R. U. Harper
Treasurer-J. B. Mason
Senior Deacon-Roy E. Parrish
Junior Deacon-Connie Tate
Senior Steward-H.
M. Holsomback
Junior Steward-Geo. Me Parsons
Tyler-W. H. Wilmot
Chaplain-J. M. Baker
The present membership of the lodge is about 200.
Approximately 500 men have been made masons by this lodge.
The first Masonic Hall was over the old Methodist Church which was
built about 1874. Ab,out 1907 the City of Chickamauga and the Masonic
Lodge built a new frame school building, the upper story of which was
used for a lodge hall. Then in 1914 or 1915 a new brick school house
was erected and the lodge hall was moved to the upper story of this building. In 1925 the Masonic lodge sold their interest in the school property
and purchased a comer lot on the main street in Chickamauga where the
present 3-story Masonic Temple was erected a t a C Q ~ $ of $45,0Q0.00,. by-
the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Knights Templar.
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On April 27, 1897, Chickamauga Chapter No. 99, Royal Arch Masons,
war, chartered with Companions J. J. Jones, High Priest; J. R. McFar-
land, King; and W. A. Horton, Scribe.
Below is given a record of the High Priests of the Chapter from its
organization to the present time.
1898-03-J. J. Jones
1904 T . F. McFarland
1905-06-J. J. Jones
1907 C . C. L. Rudicil
1908 -T. W. Lee
1909-10-J. J. Jones
1911-12-Don Harris
1913 -B. F. Quigley
1914 -Arthur T. Hayes
1915 J . F. Henderson
1916 W . H. H O U S C ~
1917 -H. V. Henry
1918-19-D. A. Jewell, Jr.
1920 -R. U. Harper
1921 -E. F. Camp
1922 J a m e s M. Troutt
1923 -Joseph E. Mansfield
1924 B u r l F. Hall
1925-26-R. H. Jewell
1927 -L. S. Burgess
1928 -J. N. Freeman
1929 F . H. Henderson
1930 -W. A. Shaw
1931 -E. B. Osborn
1932 C a r l C. Hearn
Chapter Port y-two
H E following efforts a t composition were not intended for publication in the county history. They were jotted down a t odd times
many years ago. Almost accidentally the author ran across them
and decided to give them a place in the history. They were written by
Walker County boys.
IT'S NOT TOOLATE.
By J. E. Rosser
Had I lived in the long ago,
Too late i t might have been
For Time to rap a t my door,
Or i n turn, to enter in.
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I know there's wisdom in my time,
No matter when I may live;
Human kindness much 1'11 find
If I human kindness give.
I know I've missed the House of Fame;
In i t I've had no fixed abode;
Heard no applaud, heard no acclaim
For my deeds along life's road.
I've not been termed great or strong,
But, I know my heart is warm.
I have plodded slow, alongI have lived the mild reform.
It seems not an age that spirits me
To reach dazzling, bewildering heights.
But nature grants the same old key
To unlock the vast stores of right.
I confess the age has extended plain
Where--oft, i t seems, by accidental birth
One may find this Hall of Fame,
But 'tis only answer to his worth.
The same old wheel today will turn
And roll to the end of timeTo follow in the track man may learn
The way yet to things sublime.
So, it matters not when I was born;
The sun's bright rays are given me;
There's, alike, shelter from the stormThe same old haven will always be.
Any time in which I'm given
A chance to solve my fateThe same old path leads to heaven
And no one is born too late.
This may be the very time-the age,
For me to find the better wayTo indite good deeds on history's page,
For with endeavor, now's the time-the
day.
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Another by the same author:
When I was a youth I was told
Of trials I'd meet at every turn;
That long before I was termed old,
Many serious lessons I would learn.
That even while young I would see
That many perils lay out ahead;
That hardships, many, awaited me
To be early snows upon my head.
But being a youth I wanted to t r y
To clear-traverse fields of my own;
I wanted the endeavor; and to apply
The seeds that I Wave sown.
Some of the way has weary beenHeavy laden, long seemed the lane,
For many tilts have intervenedClouds have clustered o'er my main.
How sad would be youth if it knew
The truth as older ones do knowHow real the pain ere we older grew,
However well the trips we may go.
It is best to treat with each new sun,
Its light and its shade and its heat;
Endeavor each task to be better begun,
Strive harder each foe to defeat.
If I had to worry with what's to be.
Knowing that sorrow with pleasures blend ;
Knowing it once I would not be free
Till I found the shadow's end.
When I reach the new hill's top
And see those vales extending there,
May my fruition never stop
Till I the victor's laurel wear.
May I find at the end of each day
A brigbter light for my wandering feet,
That I may from evil hie me away
And lesser obstruction meet.
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The odes in this column were written by Hon. John B. Henderson of
Chickamauga, Ga., a Confederate veteran, now in his 88th year. (Died
soon after).
We love our friends all through life,
Through pathos, humor and strife;
Across the Sea of Life from shore to shore
They die; why mourn, they've only gone before.
If you want to live a consecrated, righteous lifeAvoid intemperance, excess and strife ;
Don't worry-pay your debts and bridle your tongue
That your good example may appeal to the young.
When the well-springs of youth dry up,
The door to bodily pleasures has been shut,
And the animal passions have been slainAfter growing old our thoughts of sex a r e not the same.
I have moved because I had no good neighbors,
I have lived and striven with other laborersAt last I've had a vision-my moving i s done;
If I expect to have good neighbors, I myself must be one.
"I've had my ups and downs," said the Miser,
"With the fair sex who think they are wiser,
But old age brings on my confession,
That pursuit is greater than possession."
These simple little cards only say,
What we should think and practice every day;
We think it great to receive-'tis greater to give,
For Christ is our example to give and t o live.
I think when we reach the sunset of life,
We will be free from sickness, sorrow and strife;
For this is true a s t r u t h can be,
"As man thinketh, so is he."
Of immortality we all want to know,
But i t is safe to believe in eternal kindness before we go,
And t o do unto your fellow men as you would they do unto you,
. .
For t h i s is what Christ taught us to do.
,
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By C. A. Chambers
(Nov. 12, 1918)
The bravery of the Belgians
First halted the haughty Hun;
The fearless, fighting Frenchmen
Were first to make him run.
The brilliant bull-dog British
Stood like a wall of steel,
Arid saved the allied nations
From the Hohenzollern heel.
Courageous, cool Canadians
All gave and asked no quarter,
They took the greatest strongholds,
Inflicting awful slaughter.
Audacious, bold Australian8
Were fearless of the foe;
They charged and swept the enemy
Like a n avalanche of snow.
The nervy, brave New Zealanders,
When brought to rigid test,
Were found to be the equal
Of the bravest and the best.
The invincible Italians,
With desperate, stern resolve,
Hurled back the hateful, heartless Huns
At the battle of Piave.
The irresistible Irish,
The plucky Portuguese,
The gallant Greeks and Serbians,
The gingery Japanese.
The irrepressible Indians,
Reliable Russians, true,
The mighty Montenegins,
Arabs, Albanians too;
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Redoubtable Roumanians,
And other nations, all
Have done their part to bring about
Autocracy's downfall.
But amazing-all, Americans,
Made good in every case,
Defeating all the Boches' plans
With the valor of their race.
And when the Huns in their great might,
Drove hard against "Paree,"
They turned the tide of that great fight
Which brought the victory.
Honor the boys who faced the storm,
Honor the boys who trained,
Honor the workers in every form,
Whose aid the victory gained.
V-ain was the fight of German ghouls
I-n their mad lust for power;
C-hrist's law of right from t h i s day rules
T-o the world's remotest hour.
0-n earth sweet peace, good will to men,
R-ejoice, for war shall ne'er again
Y-ield bitter woe. Amen! Amen!
OLD GEORGIALAND.
By C. A. Chambers.
Old Georgia is a goodly land
From highlands to the sea,
Her products fill the full demand
Of man's necessity.
More zones of climate belt her breast
Than any other state;
Here Nature did her very best
And made her grand and great.
I love her mountains' splendid scene,
I love her southern plains;
I love her hills that lie between
And all her vast domains.
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She formed a n altruistic rule,
And built first orphan's home;
She gave us our first Sunday school
And female college dome.
She showed the world a simple means
To make its sufferings easier,
Abolished awful surgery scenes
With gentle anaesthesia.
Her heroes and her heroines
Have made a brilliant story,
Their names are writ in golden lines
To their eternal glory.
Her citizens of every class
The world's attention claim,
And many think that none surpass
The greatness of their fame.
This noble state's my native land,
I deem i t my good fortune;
My warmest love she'll e'er command,
I'm proud that I'm a ~eorgian.
THAT'SGEORGIA.
By C. A. Chambers.
A land of mountains and of plain,
Of golden sunshine and of rain,
Of peanuts, rice and sugar cane,
Potatoes, cotton, peas and grain,
A land of talent and of brainThat's Georgia.
A land of marble and of gold,
Of bubbling springs, both clear and cold,
Whose hills and mountains i n their hold,
Have mineral wealth that is untold,
Whose rivers are both slow and boldThat's Georgia.
Land of the famous red old hills,
Of cotton, saw and shingle mills,
A land of odious wild-cat stills,
A land whose glorious history thrills,
And whose nobility instillsThat's Georgia.
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A land of live oak and of pine,
Magnolia and of jessamine,
Of rosin and of turpentine,
A land of poultry and of swine,
0,glorious land, I call thee mine !That's Georgia.
A land of the paper-shell pecan,
Of flowers fair to look upon,
A land of muscle and of brawn,
A land where hope is never gone,
A land of beauty on and onThat's Georgia.
A land of churches and of schools,
Of ball-grounds and of swimming pools,
A land of wise folk and of fools,
A land of Christians and of ghouls,
Where moral sentiment always rulesThat's Georgia.
Land of the fiddle and the bow,
Where sunny smiles and warm hearts glow,
Where choicest fruits and melons grow,
Where mountain and sea breezes blow,
Where honey, milk and moonshine flowThat's Georgia.
Land of the hunter and his pack,
Land of the skillful and the quack,
Land of the white race and the black,
Who travel each a separate track,
Where both go forward, never backThat's Georgia.
Land of the fish-fry, oyster-stew,
Land of the picnic, barbecue,
Land whose people are brave and true,
Loyal to country through and through,
Ninety-nine per cent are natives tooThat's Georgia.
Old "Wisdom, Justice, Moderation,"
The fairest land in all creation,
In many things she takes first station,
A balance wheel for all the nation,
That stands upon a true foundation,That's Georgia.
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These three exquisite poems are by Caroline Arnold of LaFayette.
Wake, robin, wake,
Too long a nap you take,
The world has waited long
To hear your cheer-up song
For love's sweet sake.
Sing, robin, sing,
Some note of joy to bring
To drooping heart.
There're souls that are oppressed,
And wrongs to be redressed,
And you must do your part.
Fly, robin, fly,
Fly up into the sky
And sing your strain ;
Some may forget their fears,Make rainbows of their tearsAnd live again.
There's naught for you to fear,So sing your song of cheer
From day to day.
Who marks the sparrow's fall
Will hear your welcome call
And guide your trackless way.
Oh trees! with leaves all gone and branches bare,
Art thou forlorn ?
Thy roots are deep, thy limbs are strong;
Thy leaves will come again,
Oh trees!
Oh heart! with mem'ries sweet, but friends all gone,
Art thou forlorn?
Thy faith is deep, thy love is strong;
Thy joys will come again,
Oh heart !
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Oh soul! deem not earth's loss a heavy cross,
Thou art divine !
Faith breathes thy prayers, love sings thy songs,
Oh! soul of mine !
Wild flowers are Nature's alphabet,
Written on field and wood
Mysterious truths f o r us to learn,
If rightly understood.
Wild sounds are Nature's orchestra,
Bringing from f a r and near
The most mysterious harmonies,
If we could rightly hear.
Wild scenes are Nature's gallery,
Of sky and sea and land;
Of most exquisite coloring
Wrought by Nature's hand.
Wild thoughts are Nature's garden,
Where flowers and weeds a r e grown;
Flowers t h a t God has planted,
Weeds t h a t man has sown.
And all is one vast problem,
Ages and ages old,
Hinting at Nature's secret,
Which never can be told.
THE PERMANENT
SMILE.
By J . T.Kirkpatrick, Jr.
It's the person who smiles we a r e happy to meet;
That's the face which we all like to see;
The one wh,o smiles a t Success or Defeat,
He's the fellow we'd all like to be.
,
It's quite easy to smile when all's going wellWhen things a r e just coming our way;
But the permanent smile-it will always tell,
For i t shows t h a t it's on there t o stay.
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Smiles aid us in finding success we're toldKeep us healthy and happy and gay;
They make us look young when really we're old,
For they help to keep wrinkles away.
'
Then smile when awake, and smile when asleep,
Keep smiling, whatever you do;
For the PERMANENT smile will help you to keep
New courage to carry you through.
Chorus :
Then smile, Smile, SMILE,
As you scatter bright sunshine and song;
It will lighten the load and make smoother the road
And help the other fellow along.
B y J. T . Kirkpatrick, Jr.
Though the pathway may seem dreary
As I tread life's dusty way,
And my heart is faint and weary
At the burden of to-day ;
Still I know there's naught can sever
From the love t h a t makes me free,
And t h a t keeps me-keeps me everWhen my Saviour walks with me.
When the howling tempest ragesHope and courage sorely tried,
I shall 'neath the Rock 'of Ages
From the fury safely hide.
I shall have no fear, no anguish,
As I sail life's fitful sea,
For-unlike the souls t h a t languishJesus, Saviour, pilots me.
In life's sunshine, in life's sorrow,
I shall strive t o keep Him near;
Trusting Him to-day, to-morrow,
I shall have no thought of fear;
And a t last if death o'ertake me
As I watch for Him ta come
I am sure he'll not forsake me,
But will gently lead me home.
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Help me, Lord, to lead some other
'
Soul to Thee while yet 'tis day;
May my life attract some brother,
And help him to find the way.
Step by step, dear Saviour, guide me,
Let me never go astray:
Walk each day, 0 Lord, beside meBe thou with me all the way.
SMILE
AND LOOKUP.
(The author of these beautiful lines was stricken with flu in 1920. from which he
never fully recovered, and which finally brought his death. He has given us a lesson of
how to "smile and look up.")
The constant thinking of your ills,
Your trials and your woes,
Will help to make more steep the hills
O'er. which your pathway goes.
No use to always nurse your grief:
Nor should you burden friends
With tales which do not bring reliefWhich cannot make amends.
Why not push back the thought of pain,
Of sickness, and of fear?
There's nothing you may hope to gain
By bringing trouble near.
You'd better say that you are wellOr, all is well with youAnd look to God to break the spell,
And make your words come true.
Instead of thinking of dark days,
Help bring the sunshine in;
Just let your face reflect the raysThe cheerful heart will win.
Your smile will help some other soul,
Your friendly greeting save
Some one who's fallen short the goal,
Perchance, who's not so brave.
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You'll find that as you speak to-day
So will you soon believe:
Say, "All is well,"-help drive away
The thoughts which so deceive.
Thank God afresh each new-born day
For His sustaining care:
For blessings found along the wayYes, blessings everywhere.
Then, if we must drink deep the cup
Before we wear the crown,
Let's cling to hope, smile and look up,
As faith our doubts shall drown.
And when in need of new supplies
We'll go to Him, and rest
Assured that He will hear our cries,
And give that which is best.
( I n loving memory of my brother, J. T. Kirkpatrick, Jr., who departed this life
July 2, 1927.-Earl Kirkpatrick.)
When Pa and Ma started their journey through life
To meet the world's pleasure as well as its strife;
E'er many years passed, so tedious and long,
Who came to greet with a coo and a song?
And t o make their lives happy and full of joy?Their first-born child, a bouncing boy,
Nobody but Tom.
As the years rolled by, and other babies came,
And the job got hard for Master and Dame,
Who, yet but a child, took a grown man's place
With a brave young heart, full of vim and graceCooked and kept house when Ma was sickHelped P a in the field when the grass was thick?
No4bodybut Tom.
Who blazed the trail for the rest of us boys,
To the field, to the school, with its tears and its joys?
To the little brsown church that stood in the dale,
Where we started our journey on the heavenly trail?
Who carried us there, who was it I said?
While Pa stayed with Ma who was sick in bed?
Nobody but Tom.
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And who carried sunshine all through his life,
To his folks, to his neighbors, to his friends, to his wife?
And who with a zeal withstood suffering and pain,
When a dreadful disease was wrecking his frame?
And looked straight ahead when the last hour came,
With nothing to lose and with Heaven to gain?
Nobody but Tom.
When through the gift of God's infinite love,
My soul takes its flight to that mansion above,
And I meet the loved ones who have gone on before,
And are safely a t rest on that beautiful shoreAs I enter the gate and join them there,
I wonder who, with forethought and care,
Will spring t o his feet and give me a chair?
Nobody but Tom.
(A Shut-in's Meditation.)
By Frank G. Prince
F a r up on the mountain side,
'Mid chestnuts, oaks and pines,
Beside a rippling trout-filled stream,
'Neath honey-suckle vines ;
Above the smoke, among the clouds,
Away from care and toil,
I go to rest my weary soul
From the city's mad turmoil.
F a r up on the mountain side
I built my humble shack;
'Tis here I hunt and fish and dream,Dream of time turned back,Dream of care-f ree childhood days,The days of yester-year ;
Ah! Here I live in quiet peace
And God seems very near.
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In May, 1927, while resting under the shade of a peach tree from a
spell of digging in the garden, a robin suddenly flitted into the tree
above. Instantly he saw me and was off, lighting in another tree not
far away. Here he sat for a time the while casting suspicious glances in
my direction, till bethinking himself, he dropped down into a strawberry
bed and began to sample the ripest berries, hopping from one t o another
scarcely tasting each but perforating the skin and destroying it. Thus
engaged for a time I observed his movements till I decided to disturb
him before he destroyed all the berries. I was not so stingy a s to wish
t o deprive him of a few berries if only he would finish each one before
he tackled another. So standing upright I moved slowly in his direction
when he lifted himself atop a high fence post and stood there with that
jaunty glance for which he is noted.
His eye was on me but it was likewise on other objects t h a t came
within his field of vision, for of a sudden I saw him fall to the ground
beyond the fence in a pasture and begin manfully to peck and pull at
something. Several efforts a t this were required before I saw him succeed in extricating a large f a t cut-worm which he seemed to exhibit with
lordly pride. He strutted around on the ground with worm in bill for
maybe a minute before he finally dispatched it, when he darted away in
search of new adventures.
On another occasion I was interested in the movements of a robin as
he hopped about in a pasture, when I saw him stop with his head turned
sidewise a s if listening. Suddenly he seemed to place his ear closer to
the ground for an instant, then he began his pecking in a t u f t of grass
and after several efforts was rewarded by a toothsome cut-worm.
The robin seems especilly partial to the cut-worm. I see him often
hopping around in the pasture grass with that quick little series of hop&
stopping for a few seconds, and on again. He is, I think, looking for his
favorite menu, the cut-worm. However, he will, during these raids on
that delicacy, devour almost any insect that comes his way.
Birds are not over-fastidious about their food. Anything t h a t comes
to hand is readily eaten by a hungry bird. This is true of most animals.
Man, alone, from his long years of training and environment a s well as
heredity is squeamish about his victuals. Since the days of savagery and
cannibalism his forbears have learned, more and more, as the ages came
2nd went, the exercise of foresight in laying up supplies for the future.
Man is provident, frugal-perhaps too much so. If he has an overabundance of food for the present, he lays some of it up for future use. Very
few animals do this.
The bushmen of Australia subsist much on bugs and worms-food
that the system of civilized man would rebel at. If eaten for any considerable time it would produce a breakdown of health in our bodiea.
'
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There may have been a day when our ancestors could live and thrive on
such food, but f o r us who have been so long used to better food i t would
net agree.
The system-constitution-of
birds and animals has not been thus
refined. Their ancestors from time immemorial have subsisted on bugs
and worms. Their being is inured to that kind of food. For this reason
it is not so necessary for them to lay by food f o r the future. Their food
is ever-present, so to speak, except when there is an abnormal season
as a severe drought or a prolonged freeze, a t which time bird-life and
animals may suffer for food.
I saw a mother robin collecting material for her nest. She was just
under my window where I couTd observe her movements. She hopped
about and collected small straws till her bill was overflowing, and even
after i t was loaded she continued to try to collect more, losing, I fancied,
as much as she gathered. Cock robin was near-by and took cognizance
of her work and movements, but did not assist. Where he does so a t
times, I do not know. When she finally flew away he followed.
Once I observed a robin making love to a female. Suddenly another
r o b i n appeared on the scene and attacked the first one, and there was an
old-fashioned fist-and-skull fight as robins go. Almost instantly they
were so completely mixed that I was unable to tell which was the legal
husband and which the interloper. I t was a nip-and-tuck fight for some
minutes-the while the female stood with head erect looking on. It was
evident that she was interested in the outcome, but on which side her
preferences lay I could not determine. She hardly moved while the tussle
continued. At last the two hurriedly left, the one savagely following the
other, soon followed by Mrs. Robin.
Presently Mrs. Robin returned accompanied by one of the twain which
I conjectured was the legal spouse. Instantly he was all attention to her,
exhibiting, apparently, no animus because of her late indiscretion.
THE MOCKING
BIRD.
One of the happiest of our songsters is the mocking bird. He is the
prince of singers and he seems to know it. He will perch himself in an
apple tree, near his mate, who is brooding near by, and sing his happy
anthems for hours on end, occasionally flitting. away but is soon back
again. He is probably the most graceful of all our birds. Notice him
as he sits and sings on the topmost twig of a t r e e . Active, agile, mobile,
his slender body is so nimble as to appear always in motion. I have observed him while singing thus, suddenly fly aloft some distance, catch a
gnat or fly and back again without losing a note of his song.
He is always on the alert f o r an enemy, especially if the wife is
brooding near by. And when the enemy appears the happy song changes
to a quarrel. A dog, cat, snake, boy-in fact almost anything coming
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toward his little family is sure to receive his imprecations. He comes
nearer saying "scat" than any of the birds, unless i t be his first cousin,
the cat bird-the latter so called because of her ability to say "scat.''
In the summer of 1928 a mocking bird built her nest in a cluster of
grape vines a few feet away from my back porch. I discovered the nest
just before the young were hatched, and I felt some solicitude for the
hatch because of the family cat, so t h a t I kept an eye on the nest when
possible. Within a few days I noticed with pleasure that the young
fledglings were prospering and growing. Daily the parents were doing
their full duties bringing food to the nestlings.
During this period I observed two things that I had not before seen.
One day a sudden shower came up. I soon saw the mother bird come
hurrying home and perching herself above the young with wings outspread she shielded them securely from the falling rain. When the shower had passed she hurried away in search of food. I saw her on several
occasions perch herself above the nest to shield them from the torrid rays
of the July sun.
The house wren is one of the most welcome birds about the homestead. She is always friendly and pleasing. Quiet and gentle, she examines every nook and corner, every crack and crevice in search of a worm
or spider. The wood-shed is her favorite place of rendezvous. Here, if
conditions are propitious, she is apt to find a snug little box, o r suchlike
receptacle in which to build and raise her young. This is a good location, too, she thinks, to secure food for the babies later on. I have observed the female busy looking for a suitable place to build her nest,
with t h a t happy, jaunty little hasband of hers, Mr. Joree, encouraging
her and looking on and talking to her as only lovers can.
One morning in early May, I awoke to find the rain coming down in
torrents. It was one of those early morning rains with heavy thunder
and lightning for which the springtime is noted, and withal a delightful
time to steal an extra half-hour to snooze. As I lay there enjoying the
rain and the semi-sleep, suddenly there came through an upraised window.
like a bugle blast, the merry note of Mr. Joree. He sang as if he might
split his little throat. He was very near the open window, but whether
ensconced beneath a friendly leaf to shield him from the rain I do not
know; but I thought I never heard him sing 0' merrily as on that occasion, Joree! Joree! Joree! Joree! Then after a short pause the note
was repeated and so on for some minutes, the while the rain was coming down in torrents. No doubt he felt as Mr. Loveman did when he
sang :
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"It isn't raining rain to me,
It's raining daffodils,
In every dimpled drop I see
Wild flowers on the hills.
The clouds of gray engulf the day,
And overwhelm the town,
It isn't raining rain to me,
It's raining roses down.
"It isn't raining rain to me,
But fields of clover bloom,
Where any buccaneering bee
May find a bed and room;
Health unto the happy,
A fig to him who frets,
It isn't raining rain to me,
It's raining violets."
The young of the wren-and all young birds so f a r a s I have observed
-have a ravenous appetite. It i s almost incredible the number of caterpillars, worms, flies, and spiders one mite of a wren will consume during
a day. A s soon as the little fellows emerge from the shell, the parents
begin to find and bring food to them. Now, if ever, Mr. Joree must lay
aside his holiday robe and show himself equal to the demands. If carefully observed it will be seen that he is a s diligent a s the mother in feeding the babies. As soon as the day is begun they are abroad to catch the
early worm, and until quite dark they are coming and going with solicitous attention to the birdlings.
In the spring of 1906, I had the pleasure of calling on the late Dr.
Anderson, who lived then near Rock Spring. I found him seated on his
porch reading. The porch was shielded by many vines and much shrubbery. The doctor related to me how, a few minutes before my arrival, a
wren had flown and lit on his shoulder, where it remained for some seconds before leaving. He called his wife t o see it which may have been
the cause of its flight. He was very gentle and kind toward birds and
this one which had a nest near by had, no doubt, noted his harmlessness
and had become unafraid of him.
Once I was watching a mother wren feeding her young, coming and
going almost with the regularity of the clock, when she appeared in the
neighborhood of her nest with a large cut-worm in her bill. It must
have been an inch and a half in length and large in proportion. Her instinct told her i t was too large for the birdlings to gulp down. She knew
too that the cut-worm has a rather leathery covering and would not be
safe for a small bird to consume so large a one. What could be done in
the circumstances? Why, cut it into pieces, of course; and this is what
she did. She lighted on the ground and began with sledge-hammer blows
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to kill and cut i t to pieces. How she would raise her slender body aloft
and come down with all her little might on that worm was a caution!
Blow upon blow she gave i t and so continued till it was parted in two.
Then she selected a dainty bit from the interior of the worm and carried
it to the nestlings, soon returning for other parts and made several trips
till all was consumed.
Many of our native birds delight to build their nests and live around
the homestead. This may be because they enjoy the company of man and
domestic animals t o be found there, but it is more likely because of the
greater ease with which food is found about the home of man. Some
of our native birds, however, seem t o prefer to live f a r from any human
habitation. The mocking bird, cat bird, house wren, robin, and some
others nearly always build near the home of mqn. All these, if kindly
treat,ed are susceptible of becoming almost tame, a s in the case referred
to above.
Birds have a greater understanding than we sometimes give them
credit for-at least most of them. Their apprehension ia very acute. In
my yard I have about a dozen fowls of the Rhode Island variety. They
are so much alike that I am never a51e to distinguish one from another.
If one of my neighbor's hens happens to get into my yard I never know
the difference-they all look alike to me. N.ot so with Biddy. She not
only knows the members of her own flock, but she instantly recognizes
any interloper that happens into the yard. This acute sense of perception applies not only to her own race but also t o other animals. A strange
dog, cat, cow, man or other animal is at once recognized and generally
given a wide berth.
It is remarkable, too, how quick a hen will know her own brood from
another. It happened once that I set off two hens with young broods
about the same time. They were a t once jealous of each other and before
the day was spent they had a severe spat. Their chicks were completely
mixed and they were quarrelling and scolding a t each other, with wings
and feathers flushed, when one gave a savage peck a t a little chick, almost
finishing it. Instantly the other hen sprang a t the offender and there
was one of the most savage fights I ever beheld. They said not a word
but with bill and feet and wings each was intent only on flogging, not to
say killing the other. The show continued for some minutes before one
of them seemed to have the worst of i t and decided to call i t off. In
the meantime the chicks of each were grouped in bunches as if to await
the outcome. As soon as i t was called off the victor walked over to her
chicks and began her familiar cluck, cluck, cluck. I never saw them t r y
it again. It seems to have been decisive.
But how did the one know she was pecking the other's chick? And
how did the other know it was hers? They were all alike to me. Within
a day each seems to have been able to recognize her babes from others. A
wonderful sense of perception-maybe we should say intuition !
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On the farmyard every bird assumes a distinct and definite place.
Every chicken, large and small, is circumscribed by his fellows. The
cock alone is lord of all. Careful observation will generally reveal that
every hen is pecked a t and imposed on by some other hen. In a group
of three hens i t often happens t h a t number one pecks a t number two,
number two fights number three, and number three imposes on number
one. Once this relation is established i t is rarely ever afterward questioned, Only the direst necessity or the grossest provocation, a s that
mentioned above, will impel number two to attack number one, or number
three, number two.
These positions of master and servant are generally assumed and
maintained a s the young flock grows to maturity, and when so established, is rarely ever reversed, even to old age and death. A fowl who
thus dominates others will continue to do so even when sick unto death.
Her appearance upon the scene is sufficient to dispel those who have so
long been subject to her, even though they may be in the best of condition fcjr a masterful fight and could easily give her a fearful flogging.
If another fowl, a stranger, is introduced into the farmyard, this position of master and servant must be decided by all parties. The newcomer
must meet all the others and make some kind of acquaintance with each.
I n doing so she assumes a subordinate or a master's position. Sometimes
this is done by a hard fight, sometimes by a mere sham, o r a few motions
may decide their respective positions. This, however, is not true of the
male bird. He assumes, generally, a lordly position without question,
unless there is another male in the flock, in which case there will be a
prolonged pugnacious battle to decide the question of superiority. But in
the case of the male this position is often questioned afterward and sometimes entirely reversed.
This applies also to most other 'omestic animals, especially the cow,
dog and pig. If conditions are propitious these animals are apt to decide
the question of superiority-of master and servant-at their first meeting. I have often observed twa cows, strangers to each other, meet.
They are quite apt to show fight while yet some distance apart, and within a few seconds their respective positions are established, which is quite
apt to be maintained ever afterward. This is one remarkable thing about
animals.
AN OBJECT LESSONIN SANITATION.
Many of our native birds are experts in sanitation. It is pleasing to
note with what exacting wholesomeness their sanitary life is directed.
The bowel discharge is never allowed to pollute and render unsightly the
home and surroundings, being carefully disposed of from time to time
by the parent. The discharge is made immediately after consuming food
and while the parent is still present, who quickly seizes i t in bill and
carries it f a r afield where it is cast away. When the parent arrives at
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the nest with food, immediately the several mouths are opened wide and
extended upward, each eager for the morsel; a%a the parent has only to
deposit it in that extended cavern. Having done so, she pauses for an
instant and immediately the ends of the birdling, who has received the
food, are reversed and there appears a bowel discharge which is seized
by the parent's bill and carried away from the nest. At the next return
with food this operation is likely to be repeated with other members of
the family. These discharges do not always occur after taking food, but
the parent pauses for an instant after each feed to see and look cvt for
necessary cleanliness.
Just after sundown one misty evening in the latter part of May, I
heard out in my orchard what seemed to be the squealing of a rabbit. I
failed to make investigation, however, and early the folhwing morning
it was repeated with great emphasis; so I decided to investigate. I discovered t h a t the commotion was caused by some jay birds. I soon found
a young jay hidden in the weeds and a cat near by. The parents were
intensely occupied with pussy trying to detract her attention from the
young jay, and which they were doing in fine shape.
Flitting from post to post, and from limb to limb, just above her
head, they had her attention securely! directed on themselves. While
she was eyeing one of the twain on one side, the other was likely to skim
just above her head and nip a t her ears which would cause her to change
her position, soon to be repeated by the other bird. During this performance, the rabbit squealing that had attracted my attention the evening
previous was much in evidence. To the parents it was a tragic circumstance, no doubt, as the life of their offspring was severely in jeopardy.
The situation was too much for pussy. She soon gave up the bird hunt
and vamoosed for other parts.
A LESSONLEARNED.(By Paul Chambers). "Several years ago I had
quite an unusual outdoor experience which taught me one of the greatest
lessons of my life. ' In the hope others may benefit as 1 have I am telling
it through the Voices From the ,Wilds page of the Denver Post:
"One spring day I was out in the fields shooting blackbirds near my
old home by the little mining town of Pittsburg, Georgia. I saw a large
flock flying toward an adjoining farm and, loading my gun, set off in
that direction. Up to this time I had always been fond of guns and
hunting and had an almost insatiable desire to kill anything that was
classed a s game, either animal or fowl.
"I had gone down the road about half a mile when I located the birds
in an open field. I crept up to the old-fashioned rail fence and watched
them. The ground seemed fairly alive with birds. I poked my shotgun
through an opening in the fence, aimed a t the thickest part of the flock
and pulled the trigger.
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"At the discharge the greater part of the flock rose swiftly and flew
away. I could see the fluttering forms of wounded birds and the still
bodies of those killed by the shot. I sprang over the fence and started to
pick up the birds and was nearly ready to leave the scene of slaughter
when I saw an injured bird struggling to reach a nearby brush pile. I
hurried over and captured it.
"I held the wounded bird in my hand. It did not try to escape even
though its wing was broken and its life blood trickled from other wounds.
The bird, one of God's most perfect creatures, rested from its struggles
for a moment and then suddenly began to sing. At first I thought I was
dreaming, but when I realized the wonder of what was happening I experienced the most bitter remorse and I saw my hunting in another light.
The lesson of humanitarianism was driven home to me and to this day
I have not killed another bird or animal."
Chapter Forty-three
CHURCH HISTORY.
(Note: In gathering a history of the churches of the county I have consulted many
old members of most of the churches, as well as old minute books and other records.
Some of the oldest churches in the county still have records of the organization of the
church, now about 100 years old. I regret that I have been unable to secure a history
of every church. The Author.)
P
RESBYTERIAN CHURCH. The LaFayette Presbyterian church
was organized on August 12, 1836, under the name of Ebenezer;
this was while the town of LaFayette was called Chattooga. I n
1841 the church took the name of the town. The account of its organization is as follows :
"We, the undersigned, being members of the Presbyterian church in
good and regular standing, but having removed from our respective congregations and located in this village and its vicinity, feeling the importance of having the means of grace and the ordinances of the church regularly administered to us according to the constitution of our church, do
agree to associate ourselves together t o be organized into a church to be
known by the name of Ebenezer. We do further promise and covenant
to endeavor to live together in Christian fellowship and love-to watch
over each other and admonish, when necessary, with tenderness and
Christian regard. We also desire that this church be taken under the
care and supervision of Hopewell Presbytery." This first entry in the
sessional record is dated Chattooga, Walker County, Georgia, August 12,
1836, and it is further stated that the church was duly organized a t the
time and place stated. John McWhorter and Johnathan Fielding were
elected elders. The following were the charter members: John McWhor-
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ter ; Johnathan Fielding ; William Henry ; Sarah Henry ; Andrew L.
Barry ; Margaret I. Barry ; James McWhorter ; Temperance McWhorter ;
Sarah McWhorter ; Lidia Dickson ; Elizabeth Fielding ; Abner H. Mize ;
Mary Mize; Mary H. Smith ; Elizabeth Beaty ; Isaac N. Swan; Amanda
(Henry's), and Susan-colored,
(Fielding's).
Love ; Filis-colored,
Previous t o the erection of a church building the congregation worshipped in the old Baptist church and a t another time in the Methodist
church. F o r several years prayer meetings and Sunday school were held
in the old academy. In 1848 during the pastorate of Rev. William H:
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AT LAFAYETTE
Johnson the present church was built. The pastor gave several years'
services to the congregation without remuneration in order to assist the
congregation in paying for their house of worship. The building was
erected by Mr. Billy Duke and the brick used were made by Mr. James
Wellborn and his father, Mr. Amos Wellborn, who donated 5,000 brick f o r
the work. Originally there was a gallery f o r the use of slaves, but this
was removed many years ago. In 1922 the church was repaired and refurnished and is now one of the most beautiful edifices of its kind in this
section of t h e state. At t h a t time a memorial window was-installed by
the family of Rev. W. H. Johnston to his memory.
According to the best information available the following pastors have
served the church : Rev. Wm. Quillin, 1836-38 ; Rev. James Gambel, 184145; Rev. Wm. H. johnston, 1846-52; Rev. A. Y. Lockridge served in 1850
while Mr. Johnston was incapacitated by ill health; Rev. H. C. Carter,
1853; Rev. R. M. Baker, 1854; Rev. J. W. Baker, 1856; Rev. T. F. Mont-
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.
-
gomery, 1857; Rev. R. M. Baker, 1857-58, also 1863-70. The dates of
service of the later pastors are not obtainable but those who have served
since 1870 are J. G. Lane; J. W. Baker; J. L. King; W. A. Milner; Scott
Johnston; Chalmers Fraser; C. Z. Berryhill; He E. McClure; W. R.
McCalla; W. N. Scholl; J. H. Clark; B. F. Guille; J. P. Anderson and
Taylor Morton. Of these godly men perhaps the most notable were Rev.
Wm. Quillin and Rev. James Gamble, both of whom did great service in
this field-they being noted educators. The two Bakers, Richard and
John, also deserve special mention as having been among the outstanding characters in this list. J. W. Baker was a t one time professor of
ancient languages in old Oglethorpe University, then in South Carolina,
now a t Atlanta. His daughter, Ophelia, married Dr. Woodrow, who was
an uncle of our late beloved President Woodrow Wilson, for whom he was
named. Mr. Wilson in his writings often spoke of his visits to the home
of "Aunt Telie." (As a girl she lived a t what is now known as the
Loughridge place on Warthen street).
Besides the original elders already mentioned the following have
served as such: David Stewart; A. L. Barry; James Hoge; Charles I.
Hooper ; T. E. Patton; James Shumate; J. M. MoSpadden; W. F. McWhorter; Ezekiel McWhorter; Lloyd Neal; J. E. Patton; A. R. Steele;
J. M. Jackson; W. H. Steele; P. D. Fortune; J. R. Killian; R. S. Steele ;
and J. E. Shuford. Three of these, viz. Thomas E: Patton, James Hoge
and John McWhorter deserve special mention f o r their long and faithful
service as elders, having served 27, 23, and 38 years respectively.
Of the many families deserving special mention in connection with
the history of the church some of the most notable are: Patton; Hoge ;
Johnston; Dickerson; McWhorter and Henry. Some of these names are
still to be found on the roll of the church book, and all of these families
have borne a large part in the development of the church.
The sessional records reveal some amusing incidents and show that
church members were often taken to task f o r misconduct and sometimes
expelled from the church for various offences. In one case in the year
1844, a brother was brought before the session for trial on the charge
that he had failed to give in his taxable property correctly and that he
had sold a lot of land to be paid for when Henry Clay was elected President of the United States. Mr. Clay not having been elected, the brother
brought suit to recover the price of his land in violation of his contract.
He was tried and sentenced t o expulsion from the church. Later upon a
proper showing of repentance, he was reinstated. Perhaps if our present
day sessions were not so busy making money and giving in their taxable
property at the lowest possible figure, we might have more spirituality
in our churches and church membership might mean more than it often
does a t the present day.
The war history of the church is most interesting. An account of the
Battle of LaFayette as given in a paper by Judge W. Me Henry on the occasion of the homecoming exercises in the church in 1923, is partly re-
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produced in another part of this history to which the reader is kindly referred.
OTHER PIONEER
PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCHES
OF
THE
COUNTY.
CHICKAMAUGA-1837. At t h e time this church was organized it was
located in the northern part of the county. Later that part of the county
was cut off to form Catoosa county, thus placing that church in Catoosa
county and leaving only LaFayette and Peavine. Many years ago Peavine was dissolved, and later a church was organized a t Chickamauga.
This was in 1908. At the present time the LaF2yette and Chickamauga
churches are the only ones in the county. There was once a small band
of Presbyterians in McLemore's Cove, perhaps organized, but without a
house of worship. However, Presbyterian ministers went sometimes
and preached for them. Dr. Burkhead, a famous evangelist, of the
Synod of Georgia, held a meeting there a t one time. There was, also, a t
one time many years ago, a church building in West Armuchee, with a
very small membership, most if not all of whom are now dead.
6
*
*
*
*
Rev. William Quillan, who organized the two Presbyterian churches
of early days in Walker county, was a native of Tennessee. He came to
Georgia soon after being licensed to preach and married here. He located
in LaFayette and lived there till his death in 1842, while still a young
man. His widow lived for some years in LaFayette but moved to middle
Georgia during the Civil War. This zealous and faithful minister left
a s a memorial to his memory four churches which he was instrumental in
organizing. He also assisted in the organization of a church in Chattooga county a s well as the First Presbyterian church in Chattanooga,
Tennessee. His name is listed as one of the trustees of the LaFayette
Female Academy, chartered in 1837. He is buried in the LaFayette
cemetery.
Rev. A. Y. Lockridge was another pioneer preacher of the Presbyterian church. He supplied the LaFayette church in 1850 during the illness of the pastor. He was a native of North Carolina, and a man of
great strength of character. He did much to establish Presbyterianism
in this section of North Georgia in the early days.
Rev. Wm. Hall Johnson, third pastor of the LaFayette church and
under whose ministry it was built, was born in 1819 in Rowan county,
North Carolina, of godly Scotch-Irish parents. He graduated from Davidson college in 1840. Having decided t o enter the ministry, he entered
the Theological Seminary a t Princeton, in 1841, graduating therefrom
in 1845. He came t o Georgia as a home missionary in 1845 or 46. The
courageous spirit of this young missionary had t o battle continuously
with ill health. His period of service only covered ten years, but in that
time he made lasting impressions on his flock and did much good for the
master whom he sewed. Two years after giving up active work he reVISIT US @ http://www.gagenweb.org
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turned to his native state and died a t the age of 40, thus cutting short a
most promising career.
Hugh B~oudinotJohnston, pioneer lawyer, brother of Wm. H. Johnston, was a young lawyer of much promise. He received his education at
Davidson college and Princeton. He graduated from Chief Justice Pierson's Law School a t Mocksville, North Carolina. He was a pioneer citizen of LaFayette, Walker county, Georgia. Broken in health, he soon
retired from his profession and took up stock farming; also ran a tannery in the early years of the Civil War; also postmaster in the early
sixties. He refugeed to Covington, Georgia, in the fall of 1863, where
he died soon after. Mr. Johnson was considered a very eloquent speaker.
UNIVERSALIST
CHURCH. The first Universalist church in Walker
county was established in the summer of 1898 by Dr. Q. H. Shinn, an
evangelkt from Maine. For some years previous meetings had been
held a t the Abercrombie schlool house some three miles south of Chickamauga, and a s the number of believers *in Universalism increased the
erection of a church was agitated by the itinerant preachers, who had
been holding the meetings a t the school house. Among the itinerant
preachers who did good work was Rev. James Park, a descendant of the
pioneer Park family of North Georgia.
For many years-in fact from the very first settlement of the county
in 1833 or before, there had been quite a number of citizens in this part
of the county who had believed and clung to this faith. Among these
might be mentioned the Abercrombies, Hendersons, Bosses, Gentrys,
Joneses, Parks, Butlers, Buchannans, Hunts and many others. As their
descendants increased and grew up in the faith of their fathers i t was
seen that an organization was needed to shepherd this band.
About this time Dr. Shinn, a man of deep intellectual power and a
great Bible student, visited the community and became interested in the
work. Those who recall Dr. Shinn will remember how he always read
his Bible in the pulpit from memory. Selecting his morning lesson he
could ready every word from memory; and this applied to a very large
part of the Bible-especially the New Testament.
Having selected a location about half a mile west of beautiful Crawfish Spring, at Chickamauga, the property was acquired and a beautiful
church building was erected. The late L. A. (Bud) Boss was a most
ardent worker for the new church. He was a carpenter and gladly donated his services in the erection of the house, and when completed, was one
of the handsomest churches in that secti.on. Mr. Boss loved his faith and
as long as the church held services a t that place he rarely ever missed.
The story of the First Universalist church of Chickamauga is an
eventful one. The charter members were composed of some of the most
substantial citizens of the community, many of whom had been solicited
by pastors and members of other faiths to abandon their beliefs that
there was no endless punishment, and unite with other faiths; but they
were faithful to their first love and stood by it to the last.
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One of the first ministers of the church was the Rev. James Rasnake
from South Carolina, who had been reared in another faith but having
satisfied his mind that he was a believer in Universalism he united with
that church and became pastor a t Chickamauga. Rev. Chapman, from
near Atlanta, was another pastor who did a good work and assisted in
building up the work. During these years Dr. Shinn often visited the
church, always bringing a great message and furnishing a n inspiration
to the struggling band.
This church flourished from 1898 to 1907 and many happy meetings
were held there. I t was the custom of the church to hold all-day services
a t each meeting and a basket dinner was spread under the large oak trees
in the church yard. On these occasions many visitors were always present and enjoyed the bountiful spread. These church days were always
full of good fellowship.
Following the death of the beloved evangelist, Dr. Q. H. Shinn, a
movement was started t o build the "Shinn Memorial Church," in Chattanooga, and as the membership of the Chickamauga church had become
scattered, a number of families having moved t o Chattanooga, it was
decided to consolidate the church with the new church in Chattanooga.
The building was sold to the Presbyterian people a t Chickamauga who
removed it to its present site and it stands to-day without change from
former years. The membership was transferred to the new church at
Chattanooga.
Among the charter members of the Chickamauga church were Mr.
and Mrs. John B. Henderson, M. C. Butler, Dr. and Mrs. G. W. Jones,
Mr. and, Mrs. S. R. Thurman, Mr. and Mrs. A. T. Park, Mr and Mrs.
John Abercrombie, Mrs. John Morgan, L. A. Boss, A. J. (Uncle Jackie)
Boss, Miss Julia Carlock and Mrs. Missouri Hunt. Members of the
families of these charter members were added to the church from time
to time and a number of these are active members of the Shinn Memorial
Church in Chattanooga.
Additional information from Mr. S. A. Buchanan of Chickamauga is
to the effect that a church of this faith was in existence before the war,
located near High Point. This was in the fifties. Some of the members
of that church were the following: Rev. James Park and wife, Walker
Masson and wife, S. A. Buchanan and wife, Mrs. Mary Carlock, Jackie
Boss and wife and M. C. Butler.
CORINTH BAPTISTCHURCH. Organized September 16, 1899, in a
small tenant house on J. M. Foster's farm where it worshiped for 9
months while a house was being erected. The following were the first
members : Rev. H. W. Head and wife ; Misses Frances and Ellen Head;
Mrs. J. B. Wheeler; Houston Wheeler; James Bomar and wife; S. D.
Carter and wife ; Miss Lizzie Carter; Mrs. Dora Hegwood; E. D. Cremer
and wife; Lee Greene; Mrs. N. A. Scott.
The first house was built in 1900. In 1916 an addition was made to
it and in 1923 because of the growing community a larger and more
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handsome house was erected a t a cost of about $4,500.00 Also a t this
time a Delco light plant was installed a t a oost of $350.00.
Roster of pastors: H. W. Head, 1899-1905. 1909-1910; T. D. Cooper,
1905-1908; J. M. Mathis, 1908-1909; T. E. Ezell, 1910-1915; 0. G. Lewis,
1915-1916; J. A.; Ezell, 1916-1918,; B. H. Howard, 1918-1922; W. L.
Mavity, 1922-1926, 1928-1929; J. I?. Scott, 1926-1928, 1929.
Present membership about 191. In the church's short history there
have been 244 baptisms-a splendid record. 24 deaths have occurred.
The present pastor, Rev. J. F. Scott, was licensed and ordained by this
church. Few churches in the county have a better record than Corinth.
VALLEYHEAD
BAPTIST
CHURCH. Organized 1876 by Rev. T. C. Tucker
and others, Rev. Tucker serving a s pastor for a number of years. The
early records have been lost and it is impossible to give a correct roster
of charter members. The following were either charter members or were
among the early members: Mercer Shaw, Algy Careathers, Wm. Beaird.
George Shaw and wife, S. R. Andrews, Angeline Andrews, Margaret,
Adeline and Susan Beaird, David Fricks, and others.
The church was organized in Poplar school house, and later moved to
its present location. George Shaw deeded two acres with a right of way
30 feet wide to the public road and another twelve feet wide t o the spring.
The present house was built in 1878.
The following pastors.have served this church: T. C. Tucker, 1876-81;
W. L. Shattuck, 1882-83, 1888-91; J. A. Mathis, 1886; T. D. Clooper, 189298, 1907; J. M. Mathi,s, 1900-04; H. W. Head, 1905-06; T. J. Ratliff,
1908-14; J. A. Ezell, 1915-16; H. S. Cordell, 1917; B. H. Howard, 1919;
Lee Lecroy, 1920-21; S. R. Tucker, 1922. Besides these other pastors without dates were: Rev. Griffin, J. J. Sizemore and probably others.
This church is beautifully located a t Dug Gap on top of Pigeon mountain
and is one of the lea,ding churches in that part of the county.
EASTARMUCHEE
BAPTISTCHURCH. Established in 1886, mlostly from
the Macedonfa church. The following were charter members: J. C.
Clement and 'wife; Rev. B. F. Hunt; Dr. R. E. Talley; Mr. and Mrs.
W. H. Talley; Mrs. J. T. Griffith; Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Hames; Mr. and
Mrs. J. F. Green; Mrs. Elizabeth Hames; Miss Annie Keith; Mrs. Mary
Cheyne; Mr. and Mrs. G. L. Keith; Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Richardson ; Mr.
and Mrs. J. M. Rives ; J. H. Hames ; J. W. Keown ; Mr. and Mrs. Abe Richardson; Mrs Sarah Roper; G. W. Sims and wife. The present membership is 103.
The following pastors have served this church: B. F. Hunt; John
Head; P. C. Deason; John Seymore; J. M. Barnett; D. A. Barrett; T. A.
Burgess; J. L. Burk; J. E. Hudson; J. M. Cargall; J. A. Smith.
WALNUT
GROVEBAPTISTCHURCH. Organized January 29, 1922, with
twenty members. Rev. J. M. Coley preached the organization sermon.
Rev. B. H. Howard was elected pastor, D. A. Houston clerk and W. A.
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Houston treasurer. A commodious, convenient building was immediately
erected which seats about 500 people.
The church maintains an evergreen Sunday school and is attended
by the community generally. Rev. W. L. Mavity served a s pastor two
years, from July, 1925, to July, 1927. Rev. B. H. Howard was then
re-called as pastor and is still serving the church as such. Present membership 79.
WATERVILLE
BAPTISTCHURCH.Established 1840. Among the charter
members were B. M. Powell and wife, Ann Powell. The first pastor
was Rev. Artemus Shattuck. Following him came William Newton,
Nathan Percell, Edwin Dyer, Henlett Moon, A. C. Dayton, John Young,
W. L. Shattuck, T. C. Tucker, Mose Jackson, W. C. Luther, B. F. Hunt,
and J. M. Coley. Brother Coley was pastor 18 years.
During the ministry of W. L. Shattuck, T. C. Tucker and Mose Jackson some of the leading members were A. G. Bryan, A. C. Hovis, Mr.
Garner, John Partain, Ben, John, and Taylor Powell, and W. M. Martin,
who was clerk.
The first church was built of logs with a huge fireplace and seats made
of slabs. A Doctor Jones bought the land on which this church stood and
converted i t into a dwelling which is still used and well-preserved. The
second church was a frame and rather frail affair which soon began to
need repairs. Then A. C. Hovis bought the Jones farm and became one
of the leading members of the church. About 1890 J. G. Sims bought
the Hovis farm and wishing to raise the mill-dam near by which would
interfere with the road leading to the church the members gladly consented to build a new church on the east side of that farm where the
present church now stands. This church was built in 1891. Brother
Coley was pastor a t this time and was a moving spirit in the erection of
the new church and did much work in person on the building. It cost
about $1,000.00.
Since Brother Coley's ministry the church has been served by the
following pastors : H. W. Head, T. J. Ratliff, J. L. Reeves, Alfred Ezell,
W. L. Mavity, J. H. Bowman, Rev. Lord, W. R. Veach and C. D. Gilreath.
Occupying as i t does one of the most lovely vales in the county and being surrounded by a prosperous community, this church is most favorably located, and is one of the leading churches of the Baptist denomination in the county. Present membership 110.
WOODSTATIONCHURCH. The early minute book of this church has
been lost or destroyed and there is no record as to the exact date of its
organization. It is one of the older churches of the county-some say
the very oldest. I t was probably established a century ago. That pioneer Baptist missionary, Humphrey Posey, who labored among the Cherokee Indians, helped to organize it, being one of the presbytery-Edwin
Dyer being the other. The church was organized near the William HUE
lender place in what was Walker, now Catoosa county. Rev. Posey's wife
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t
died and was buried at t h a t place, a small stone still stands at the grave.
Soon after the Civil War the church was moved to a new location near
Catlett where it has a splendid house of worship built in 1918. There
is no record of the older houses of worship. The following were probably charter members-at least they were among the very first members: Isaac Kilgore, E. Cooper, R. Marlow, Martin Camp, H. M. Shaw,
J. M. Bryant, J. C. Cain, Thomas McEntire, Amos Williams, J. M. Cain,
Thomas R. Davis, J. W. Williams, A. C. Whittle, J. Q. Barber, Andy
Cooper.
The following pastors have served this church: J. Tate, 1854; A.
Fitzgerald, 1855; J. Young, 1869; 2. D. Clark, 1871; W. L. Shattuck,
1872-73; J. C. Cain, 1874-79, 1882-85; M. C. Jackson, 1880; J. M. Mathis,
1886; T. D. Cooper, 1888-91, 1893; J. G. Hunt, 18920; W. H. Boyd, 189496; H. W. Head, 1897-99, 1907-09; J. L. Burk, 1900-01; J. M. Coley,
1903-06; (No pastor reported from 1910 to 1917) ; B. H. Howard, 191824, 1927; J. W. McClan, 1925; Charles Lane, 1928; W. H. Cumming,
1929; J. F. Scott, 1931.
MACEDONIA
CHURCH. Organized 1844. The present church building
was erected before the war by William Clements. Two of the charter
members were Newton Keown and James Keown. Because of a want of
old records it is impossible to secure anything like a connected account.
It is known that this was for many years one of the strong churches of
the county.
The following have been some of the pastors in charge: A. E. Vandivere, 1854-55; H. Stout, 1858; J. J. S. Calmay, 1869, 1872; J. B. Blitch,
1871; J. M. Robertson, 1873-74; W. C. Wilks, 1875; H. S. Moore, 1879-80;
W. M. Bridges, 1882-86; W. L. Shattuck, 1888-93; B. F. Hunt, 1894-97,
1909-22, 1924-25; H. W. H,ead, 1900-04; J. M. Barnett, 1906-08; W. L.
Mavity, 1923; L. B. Arvin, 1927-28; J. H. Cargle, 1929.
BRUNER'SCHAPELMETHODIST
CHURCH,SOUTH. This church was located some 3 miles south of Rossville in Dry valley. It was organized
soon after the war and for many years was a prosperous and influential
church of the North Georgia Conference. After Rossville began to assume liberal proportions i t began to decline and was finally dissolved
about 1912, most of the members going to Rossville. During its palmy
days the membership was composed of probably 100 members and were
served by some of the leading pastors of those days, of whom may be
mentioned the following : Revs. Bui MeFarland ; Hughes ; Dubose; Stewa r t ; Christian; Roberts; Williams and Quillian, all of the North Georgia
Conference.
PEAVINE
BAPTISTCHURCH. This church was organized in 1836, and
is, perhaps, the seoond oldest Baptist church in- the county. Since most
of the records prior to 1874 have been destroyed or lost and the older
members have all passed on, it is impossible to give a connected history
from the beginning.
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Thirteen acres of land was bought from Mr. Jake Buffington for
$29.00. Of this amount David Trundell, a Baptist, paid $10.00, Johnnie
Henderson, a Presbyterian, paid $10.00, the rest being paid in corn and
potatoes. The land was purchased for four objects: Baptist church,
Presbyterian church, cemetery and school. The Presbyterians never
built a church house-worshiped mostly under a brush arbor. Finally
their interest was all sold in a way that i t fell t o the Baptists, cemetery
and school. The old school building-a two-story frame structure-was
destroyed by fire during the war. It was replaced by a one-room log
house.
The church is now worshiping in the third house of its history, which
was dedicated in 1906 a t an approximate. cost of $1,000.
It i s impossible to give the charter members. David Trundell, Jake
Buffington, and Mr. Brigman who died in 1892 and who had served a3
clerk for more than 40 years, were very likely charter members.
The old Minute Book of the Coosa Association, mentioned elsewhere,
gives a glimpse a t the history of this church in the fifties and early sixties. It was in those early days one of the leading churches of the county.
Since 1874 the church has had 16 different pastors, some of them serving a t different times as follows: W. T. Park, 4 years; T. C. Tucker, 4
years ; L. N. Brock, 1 year; H. S.
1 year ; T. R. Hardin, 17 years;
J. L. Burk, 1 year; J. M. Coley, 3 years; S. L. Barrett, 1 year; L. H.
Sylar, 9 years; W. C. Tallent, 4 years; J. B. Tallent, 1 year; R. L. Auston,
1 year; E. C. Harris, 6 years; E. G. Epperson and Carl McGinnis, 1year.
Rev. L. H. Sylar is present pastor. Membership 225.
FRIENDSHIP
BAPTISTCHURCH.Established 1854. Charter members:
Harris Hammontree, Mr. Sampson and wife, R. A. Jones, Arthur Davis,
S. W. Dobson, Sam Serratt, Polly Hammontree and Wm. Hammontree, Sr.
The first house was built of logs and stood near the graveyard. The
present house was erected in 1919 at a cost of approximately $2,000 and
is in good condition. This is one of the substantial churches of the
county, being situated in a beautiful fertile section and is supported by
a prosperous membership. This church is affiliated with the North Georgia Baptist Association, being the only church in the county maintaining
membership with that body. Present membership 150.
Pastors who have served this church are: Zacariah Gordon (father
of Gen. John B.), Jake Tate, V. A. Bell, Britt Williams, 2. D. Clark, M.
L. Clouts, Artemus Shattuck, W. L. Shattuck, John Head, W. C. Luther,
J. J. S. Calloway, Billy Foster, Jake Ponder, J. H. Blaylock, J. A. Mathis,
H. S. Cordell, J. L. Burke, B. F. Hunt, W. L. Mavity, W. R. Veach, James
Cargle.
LAFAYETTEBAPTISTCHURCHis one of the oldest churches in the
county, having been organized on June 7, 1835. The present clerk, Mr.
E. L. Culberson, has the first book of records used by the church, giving
the Organization, Charter Members, Presbytery, Constitution, Rules of
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Decorum, etc. These old records were written with a goose quill and show
with what pains and exactness the early church officers were imbued.
This record is a model of neatness in arrangement, chirography, and
spelling.
Charter members: R. M. Aycock, Ann W. Aycock, William Catlett,
Sally Catlett, B. F. Davis, John Criswell, Nancy Criswell, Partheny Criswell, Nancy Davis, Phoebe, a servant of Jonathan Davis. The presbytery was composed of Elders Hugh Quinn and Evan Pearson. The church
was organized a t B. F. Davis' school house, near Burnt Mill bridge.
William Catlett was chosen pastor and served till 1840. Edwin Dyer
was then chosen and served till 1855. Other pastors were a s f80110ws:
William Newton, 1855-1856; Edwin Dyer, 1857-1862; A. C. Gayton, January to July, 1863; during 1865 Brother Warren preached on Sundays
but no record of conferences; I. Percell, 1866; Brother Blitch, 1867; W.
T. Russell, 1868-1872; H. S. Moore, 1872-1884; J. J. S. Calloway, 18841890; B. F. Hunt, 1890-1895; C. E. Wright, 1895-1902; Jesse M. Dodd,
1902-1907; C. B. Wright, 1907-1911; I. S. Leonard, 1912-1925; L. B.
Arvin, 1926-1929; I r a Dance, 1929-1932.
The following have served as church clerks: B. F. Davis, R. M.
Aycock, Jas. H. Culberson, S. Marsh, Thomas A. Seals, A. N. Careathers,
E. L. Culberson.
HOUSESOF WORSHIP.
The congregation worshiped in a log house
near Burnt Mill from 1835 to 1842, at which time a building committee
was appointed and a new house of worship was erected near the present
high school building, which served as a place of worship till 1891. The
building committee for this house was George Shaw, S. Marsh, Lindsay
Edwards, Jas. H. Culberson, and R. M. Aycock. Building committee for
the present house of worship were: E. L. Culberson, J. H. Hammond,
F. W. Copeland, J. C..Clements, and R. F. Shaw. This house, a handsome brick, was erected in 1898.
Spencer Marsh gave1 $1250.00 to the church the interest of which
goes annually to the support of the pastor. Likewise, the sum of $5,000.00
was derived from the estate of the late James P. Shattuck, the interest
from which is used f,or the support of the church. A pastorium was
built in 1904, at a cost of about $1300.00.
SUNDAY
SCHOOL
RECORD.R. H. Dyer, Supt.; J. G. Walraven, Asst.;
Addie Augusta Wert, Secy.; Mrs. Troy Scoggins, Superintendent Pri.
Dept.; Mrs. 0. L. Stansell, Asst. The teachers are: Rev. Ira Dance;
Miss Sara Hackney; Mrs. I. S. Leonard; H. D. Shattuck; W. J. Shattuck; ,Mrs. Troy Scoggins; Mrs. Oliver Stansell; Mrs. J. W. Massey;
Mrs. H. D. Shattuck; Mrs. Ben Loughridge; Mrs. Roy Neeley ; Mrs.
Homer Hill; Miss Grace Bowen.
DEACONS
: W. A. Enloe, Chm. ; Dr. J. A. Shields ; W. J. Shattuck ;
Hill Hammond; J. W. Massey; J. A. Sartain; 3. G. Walraven; H. D.
Shattuck; R. H.Dyer ; W.C. Smith ; E.A. Leonard.
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B Y. P. U. This department is doing splendid work under Mrs. A.
M. Martin, Director.
The Woman's Missionary Society was organized in 1880. Mrs. R. S.
Neeley, Mrs. N. G. Warthen; Miss Orpha Center; Mrs. T. C. Hackney;
lbs. Polly Mize were among the first members. Some of the presidents
have been: Mrs. J. M. Dodd, mss Emma Pickle, Miss Mattie Clements,
Mrs. Emma Hammond, Mrs. I. S. Leonard, Miss Sara Hackney, Mrs. W.
H. McDaniel, Mrs. Quillian Clemons, Mrs. W. A. Wardlaw, Mrs. C. C.
Gilbert. The Society has always co-operated in the work outlined by the
State Officials, and holds high rank in the Coosa Association. Miss Sara
Hackney !has been both Superintendent and Young People's Leader in
the Association. She is now President of the Society, and Mrs. Ben
Loughridge is Vice-President. The organization is now divided into
three circles: The Orpha Center Circle named for one of the first memo
bers; the A. Y. Napier Circle named for the only missionary that has
gone from this church to a foreign field, Rev. A. Y. Napier; the third circle was named for Mary Crawford, a Georgia missionary in the foreign
field. The Y. W. A., G. A., R. A., and Sunbeam Auxiliaries are presided
over by Mrs. Ira Dance a s Young People Leader.
The oldest members of the church are E. L. Culberson, now in his
93rd year, and Miss Orpha Center, in her 92nd year. Mr. Culberson is
active clerk of the church, a position he has held for more than fifty years,
thus probably breaking the record as a church clerk. He is also treasurer. Because of a fall several years ago Miss Center is now confined to
her bed, but no one is more interested in every phase of church life than
she.
LOOKOUT
BAPTIST
CHURCHwas organized in 1849 near High Point on
the property belonging to the Widow Dickey. A good many years later a
deed to the property was executed. The first church, a small log cabin,
was erected on the east side of the road; later, about 1873, another hewed
log house was built on the west side of the road, costing about $150. The
present handsome building was erected in 1927 at a cost of about $2500.
The charter members were: Rev. David Dickey, first pastor; John
Sammons ; Lemuel Carter, deacon ; Aaron Fitzgerald, second pastor;
Moses Morrison, Tom Dickey; J. R. Chambers; John Phillips, deacon;
Van Bell, third pastor; Jlohn Bell, fourth pastor. Other pastors have
been: T. C. Tucker, 1875; J. W. King, 1883; J. A. Mathis, 1886-88, and
1892-97; L. C. Burk, 1900; H. S. Howard, 1903; T. D. Cooper, 1904; H.
W. Head, 1907-08; Tom Smith, 1909; J. A. Ezell, 1911; J. W. C. Oliver,
1914; J. C. Kington, 1916-19; J. L. Smith, 1921; Lee Lecroy, 1922-23;
J. H. Hisey, 1924-28; Charles Dunn, 1929.
CENTERPOINTCHURCH. Organized Feb. 24, 1878, in an old log building on Willis Dunn's place, by the following presbytery: W. T. Park, J.
C. Cain, J. A. Mathis and John Shaw. The following were some of the
charter members: J. T. Renfroe and wife, W. El. Colquit and wife, Willis
Dunn and wife, Henry Glass and wife, Rev. and Mrs. T. D. Cooper, Rev.
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and Mrs. John Shaw, Green Dunn and wife, Sarah Glass, Savannah Glass,
Melvina Glass, George Brigman, Mrs. W. H. Bayless, Mrs. Beckie Culberson, Mrs. Cealy Smith.
The present church house was erected in 1914 at a cost of about $3,000.
Seating capacity 400. The Association met with this church in 1908 and
in 1927. The following pastors have served the church: T. D. Cooper,
L. N. Brock, J. A. Mathis, S. F. Akin, D. T. Murdock, John Shaw, H. W.
Head, L. H. Stephens, J. A. Ezell, J. A. Clemons, T. J. Ratliff, W. C. Tallent, Rev. Hudlow, G. W. McClure, C. W. Howard, E. C. Harris, G. T.
King, K. C. Baker, S. R. Tucker.
MISSION
RIDGECHURCH was organized in 1895. Later it was dormant
for some years and again in 1921 was re-organized, since which time it
has prospered and is now one of the progressive churches of the county.
Three of the early pastors were J. M. Mathis, T. D. Cooper and J. S.
Kinsey. Recent pastors are C. R. Jones, C . W. Howard, D. WeCrawford,
H.M. Linkous, and W. L. Mavity. There are 140 members and the building is valued a t $2,000.00.
TRINITYMETHODIST
CHURCH.Many years before the Civil War, prbbably in the late thirties or early forties, a Methodist church was established about half a mile east of the present site of Trinity church. The old
church was near the ancient burying ground just east of Duck Creek.
The building was of log construction as were most buildings of that day
and served for a house of worship for many years and probably, also, for
school purposes at times. In the decade preceding the war this old house
was abandoned and a frame building was erected a t the present site, the
name being changed from Bird's Chapel to Trinity. This is one of the
very old churches of the county, having been established near its organization.
The original deed to the church land is still held by the trustees. It
is dated February 3, 1852, and recites that for "divers good causes" this .
parcel of land is granted to "Thomas Sharp, John S. Shields, Enoc Boils,
Joseph M. ward la.^, and Benjamin W. Maddux, Trustees in trust," etc.,
and is signed by E. Mabry, being witnessed by H. W. Mstbry and Enos
Martin, J. P. It was recorded in the Clerk's office on August 23,1852, by
John Dickson, Clerk. In 1904 this church was destroyed by fire and the
present handsome and commodious church was erected.
An interesting old record and minute book of the quarterly conferences held a t Trinity has been brought to light, which gives the names
of pastors f o r the period from 1870 to 1878. The following pastors were
in charge during those years: A. Edom; Hayden C. Christian; B. G.
Reynolds; W. W. Lumpkin; C. G. Pearce; T. H. Timmons. One pastor
makes this report at a quarterly conference: "Traveled 620 miles, made
110 visits, and preached 44 times," which is pretty good for a quarter's
work in that day. Another report of the Sunday school lists 5 McGuffey's
readers as a part of the literature used in the Sunday school.
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MT. CARMELMETHODISTCHURCH. This is another very old church,
being organized long before the Civil War. The first house was a log
building. Later two other frame buildings were constructed and used for
many years. In 1929 the present handsome building was erected at a
cost of approximately $3,000.00. This is one of the progressive churches
of the county, maintaining a lively Sunday school and other organizations
for the ybung people.. The following are supposed to be some of the
charter members : John Miller ; Alex. Coulter ; William McCurdy and
wife; Andrew H. Caldwell and wife. The present membership is 155.
Trinity and Mount Carmel churches, being on the same circuit, have
been supplied with the same pastors. The following is believed to be a
correct roster of pastors:
William Brady (pastor before the war; raised a large company, went
to the war, was made captain and later regimental chaplain. Killed).
Wiley Hamilton, first pastor after the war; Rev. Lupo; Rev. Odum; Rev.
Lambkin; Haden C. Christian; Rev. Duvall; A. J. Hughes ; Rev. Timmom; T. J. Edwards; E. W. Ballenger; Rev. Moon ; G. W. Thomas; J. L.
P e r m a n ; Re R. Johnson; J. F. Davis; A. S. Harris; J. J. Ansley ; A.
B. Weaver; Neal A. White; A. F. Wa.rd; J. A. Sprayberry; H. 0.Green;
R. A. Cliett; To L. Rutland; N. A. Parsons; W. S. Norton; J. G. Lupo;
J. E. Statham; Van B. Harrison; R. A. Coleman; J. R. McCurdy ; H o L.
Byrd ; Rembert Sisson ; Barrett Barton ; McLowery Elrod.
NAOMIBAPTISTCHURCH. Organized in 1898 in the old Rennold's
Chapel, an aban,doned Methodist church on the property of W. B. Edge.
The presbytery was composed of Revs. H. W. Head, J. M. Coley, and
Deacons John Edge and J. E. Headrick. The following were charter
members: DoN. Keown and wife; Georgia and Emma Keown; W. W.
Robertson and wife; C. A. West; R. F. Delay and wife; W. L. Cameron
and wife; J. R. Greene and wife;'W. C. and A. J. Greene; W. B. Brown;
T. J. Edge and wife.
One year after its organization the church erected the present splendid commodious building a t a cost of approximately $1500.00. Since the
organization 346 nameg have been enrolled as members, there being now
Bome 140 on roll. Approximately 170 persons have been led to accept
Christ through the instrumentality of this organization since its beginning.
The following pastors have served the church in the order named:
J. M. Coley, W. L. Shattuck, H. W. Head, T. D. Cooper, J. M. Mathis,
J. L. Burk, I. S. Leonard, T. J. Ratliff, T. R. Hardin, H. S. Cordell, W. L.
Mavity, S. W. Lord, J. W. McClannahan, B. H. Howard, S. R. Tucker, and
W. L. Head. W. C. Green was elected clerk at the first meeting and is
atill serving in that capacity-34 years.
THE CHURCH OF GOD. The Church of God is a distinct movement
whose faith, doctrine and practice is claimed to be apostolic. Its discipline and standard of conduct are the Bible. Its mission is the salvation
of the world from sin, and the unity of all believers into the one body
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of Christ. Its operative headquarters is Anderson, Jnd., U. S. A.
This church has two congregations in the county, one white and one
colored. The white congregation is located a t Catlett, Ga., and the colored
congregation is located at LaFayette, Ga.
The church a t Catlett was organized, or set in order, in 1911, and was
the result of the labors of W. M. Pettigrew and others. They now have
an up-to-date chapel with a seating capacity of about 300. The pastors
since its organization have been H. L. Hackler, N. E. Setser, J. Lee Collins, W. M. Pettigrew, and W. P. Long.
Its membership hasi consisted of some of the b,est citizens of the
county, which are as follows: Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Pettigrew, Mr. and Mrs.
S. M. Carnes, Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Howard, Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Cooper,
Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Pettigrew, Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Arnold, Mr. and Mrs.
G. W. Cranmore, Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Lail, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Williams,
3. D. Cook, W. C. Thompson, P. B. Stephenson, Mrs. J. C. Pettigrew,
Mrs. S. P. Mattox, Mrs. W. B. Carroll, Mrs. W. H. Carroll, Mrs. C. F.
Spencer, Mrs. T. E. Chapman, Mrs. J. L. Lawrence, Mrs. J. F. White,
Mrs. T. A. Johnson, Miss Addie Arnold, and many others.
CHATTOOGA.
Organized 1838. Present membership 147. The first
house of worship was of log construction and stood near the present
building. It was built about the time the church was organized and
served the congregation. till about 1870 when a frame building was
erected which in turn was used till 1906 when the present commodious
house was built a t a cost of several thousand dollars.
Mr. J. D. McConnell, one of the oldest living members, recalls that
when he was a mere lad in the fifties he often heard people refer to
the church as a "hardshell Baptist church." The fact is that many of
the older Baptist churches of eighty or ninety years ago were what we
would now call hardshell churches. Many of them believed in and
practised foot-washing. There was little thought of missions and Sunday schools and many others of the present day practises and beliefs
of our Baptist churches. During the fifties aqd sixties an agitation
and discussion of these subjects began to take place and gradually sentiment crystallized in favor of Sunday schools, missions and other reforms. Hence it was that there was a division among many Baptist
churches because of these discussions, some adopting the newer ideas
and others holding out for the old landmarks. In this way many
churches were divided, each forming a distinct organization. In most
cases those holding for the newer plans and beliefs were called "Missionary Baptists," because they believed in missions, while the others
retained the name Baptist, or Primitive Baptist, and were often called
"Hardshell Baptists."
It is not known who were the charter members, but the following
were some of the very early members and may have been a t the organization: Johnathan Wall; Wilburn Wall ; J. C. Lumpkin; John Wil-
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liams; Dr. Joseph Underwood; Bob Blackwell; A. J. Price; Lecil Day,
and John Day.
It is impossible to give a complete roster of the pastors who have
served the church, however, the following are among the former pastors: Zachariah H. Gordon; Artemus Shattuck; David B. Dickey; Wm.
Burk; Rev. Glazener. These served during the early years of the
church's history, some of them before the war. Later pastors were:
W. L. Shattuck, 1889-90, 1898-99, 1907-08; D. T. Espy, 1890-94; J. M.
Coley, 1894-95; W. L. Head, 1895-96; S. F. Akin, 1896-97; A. J. Weaver,
1899-00; H. W. Head, 1900-01; J. L. Burk, 1901-07; W. M. Griffith, 19081913; I. S. Leonard, 1913-14; Charles R. Lee, 1914-15; A. J. Coalson,
1915-16; B. F. Hunt, 1916-20; W. L. Mavity, 1920-22; B. H. Howard,
1922-27; E. C. Harris, 1927-28; K. C. Baker, 1928-30; W. R. Veach, 1930.
I n 1874 a brush arbor meeting was held near the spot where the
present church now stands, conducted by Rev. A. I. Leet and Rev.
Grafton. At this meeting a church was organized. The late J. M. Lee
donated a lot for the church building and was the moving spirit in
the erection of a handsome church building near where the D. A. Jewell
home now stands. Above this building was a Masonic Hall built by
the Masons of the community.
Among the original members were: Mr. and Mrs. James M. Lee:
Mrs. E. K. Roberts; Mrs. S. T. McWhorter; Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Myers;
Mrs. Emma Roberts Brotherton; Mr. and Mrs. R. R. Couch, Mr. Alec
Jackson; Mr. and Mrs. Jason Conley; Mr. and Mrs. James A. Park,
parents of Hector Park, medical missionary t o China; Rev. A. I. Leet;
J. T. Bilbo; Mrs. Jim Henderson. The present membership is about
340.
In 1910 the heirs of J. M. Lee donated the lot on which the Houston
Jewell house stands for a site on which a new church was to be built
in 1913. After T. W. Lee resigned, the Board of Trustees traded this
original lot t o the Jewells for a plot of ground south of the springs
and the church building was moved there. Later this was sold f o r a
store building when the present church was built. The trustees traded
the Jewells a 50-foot lot south of the spring for a 45-foot lot on which
the present church stands. The old church was utilized as a store for
some time and finally destroyed by fire.
A t the Annual Conference in the fall of 1928 Rev. Wilson J. Culpepper was sent to Chickamauga as pastor. Soon after arriving he
began t o inquire into the possibility of erecting a Religious Educational
Building. By the spring of 1929 a building committee was a t work and
plans f o r such a plant were in process of formation. The plans were
worked out under the supervision of the architect of the Central Board
of Church Extension of our church and approved by him. I n November, 1929, actual construction began on this new plant. I n March,
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1930, the Sunday school was occupying the new building. Since then
the Sunday school has more than doubled and keeps growing. The
building committee was as follows: R. S. Wheeler, Chm.; C. R. Street,
V-Chm.; A. S. Bowen, Sec.; C. Caloway, Jr., Treas.; Mrs. T. W. Lee;
Mrs. R. H. Jewel1 ; George Parish.
When Hon. Gordon Lee died in 1927 he left a n endowment of $10,000.00 to the Elizabeth Gordon Lee Memorial Episcopal Church, South.
This fund has been invested through the Hamilton National Bank of
Chattanooga, Tennessee, as trustee.
Dividends are now available every six
months. These amounts are to be
spent for the upkeep, of the church
building. At present certain repairs
on the church building and certain
improvements on the church yard are
being effected by income from this endowment. The outlook for the church
is splendid.
Hon. Gordon Lee also donated to
the Elizabeth Gordon Lee Memorial
Church before he died the lot on the
south side of the church building on
which the religious educational building now stands. This donation was
made during the pastorate of the Rev.
S. D. Cherry.
The following Christian workers
have gone out from this church: Rev.
George Matthews taught school in
Chickamauga (then called Crawfish
Spring) and was a member of this
GORDON LEE
church. While here he heard the call
A Walker countian w h o represe'nted to the Gospel Ministry and decided to
preach. Later he became a member of
the 7th District in Congress f o r
twenty years.
the South Georgia Conference and
served there till his death.
Dr. Hector P a r k joined the church while his parents were living
here. Later he was sent out by the Southern Methodist Church as a
missionary and served for many years in China a s such. He became
one of the outstanding missionaries to that country and won the love
and esteem of the heart of China.
Mr. J. B. Horton joined this church when a boy. Later he entered
the Y. M. C. A. work a s a secretary and is now General Secretary of the
Y. M. C. A. a t Columbia, S. C. He has served a t other places and is
one of the most useful men this church has blessed.
The present pastor is Rev. W. J. Culpepper. The following roster
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of former pastors is given, though the list is incomplete: N. E. McBrayer, 1882-83; R. Toombs Dubose, 1891; R. R. Johnson, 1892-93-94-95;
A. B. Weaver, 1896; J. A. Thurman, 1897-98; J. F. Balis, 1899; W. G.
Crawley, 1900-01; Olin King, 1902-03; H. M. Strozier, 1904-05; W. 0.
Butler, 1906; W. K. Patillo, 1907-08; C. S. Martin, 1909; 0. M. Ponder,
1910-11; H. L. Hendrix, 1912; C. A. Hall, 1913-14-15 ; W. J. Culpepper,
1916; I?. G. Spearman, 1917-18; L. L. Landrum, 1919; C. P. Harris,
1920-21-22-23; J. M. Radford, 1924-25; S. D. Cherry, 1926-27-28; W. J.
Culpepper, 1929-30-31.
The Dalton District Conference was held with this church in 1916.
HISTORY
OF THE LAFAYETTE
METHODIST
CHURCH.
B y Mrs. 0.W . Bledsoe.
Having been requested to give the history of the Methodist church
I have gathered the following authentic facts:
In talking with the late beloved Mrs. W. A. Foster, she told about
attending services in the old log cabin church that stood where the
Fortune home now stands- and was called New Town District, that
Clement A. Evans and other such famous ministers preached there.
I have been unable to find out in what year the next church was
built, but i t stood in front of the present courthouse. Mrs. Foster and
the late Miss Rebecca Goree told me about how during the War Between
the States, the Union soldiers used tkis church for a livery stable, turning two benches together t o form troughs to feed the horses in. All
song books, Bibles and church records were destroyed. They related
how they with others went and cleaned out the house with scouring
mops and brooms so they could hold services there.
Brother Cotter of Newnan, a noted Methodist preacher, wrote me
about the Annual Conference being entertained in LaFayette in 1836,
he being present a t the meeting. At that time there was no railroad
a t LaFayette so the delegates came on horseback and in buggies. At
this conference Bishop Morris presided, D. R. Cumming was presiding
elder and W. H. Rogers preacher in charge. Also a t this conference
the name was changed from New Town to LaFayette Circuit and the
mission was called Cherokee. I t was later changed to LaFayetteRock Springs charge and then to LaFayette Methodist Church.
The first preacher in charge here was Christopher Stump in 1835
and W. H. Rogers in 1836. I t is with t h e deepest regret t h a t I must
skip for several years a s I have stated before our church records were
destroyed. I would like to give a brief sketch of each preacher but
limited knowledge prevents. In 1856-57 W. D. Bond was pastor; James
L. Lupo and Rev. Odum served the church in the latter sixties. 1870,
F. F. Reynolds; 1871, T. H. Timmons; 1872, H. C. Christian; 1877, G.
W. Duvall; 1878, A. J. Hughes; 1880, 0. C. Simmons; 1881-82, Thomas
J. Edwards; 1883-84-85, E. W. Ballenger; 1886, J. L. Moon; 1887-88,
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LA FAYETTE M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH.
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G. W. Thomas; 1889-90, J. L. Perryman; 1891-92, Fletcher Walton;
1893-94-95, R. R. Johnson; 1896, A. B. Weaver; 1897-98-99, J. F. Davis;
1900-01, S. P. Wiggins; 1902, J. J. Ansley; 1903-04, A. S. Harris; 190506, C. M. Verdell; 1907-08-09-10, H. S. Smith; 1911, C. KOHenderson;
1312-13, A. S. Hutcheson; 1914, J. R. Jordan; 1915, T. M. Elliott; 1916,
Neal White; 1917-18, J. A. Partridge; 1919-20, A. E. Scott; 1921-22-2324, J. W. Brinsfield; 1925, W. 0.McMullen and C. B. Hughes; 1926-2728-29, H. L. Byrd; 1930, T. H. Williams; 1931, E. W. Jones.
The following presiding elders have served this district: 1867, W.
P. Hamilton; 1868, Atticus Haygood; 1869, W. P. Harrison; 1870, H e
J. Adams; 1871-72, G. J. Pearce; 1873-74, R. W. Bigham; 1875-76, B. J.
Myrick; 1877-78-79, A. M. Thigpen; 1880-81, W. A. Parks; 1882-83-84,
J. F. Mixon; 1885-86-87, W. F. Quillian; 1888-89, J. M. Lowery; 1890,
A. G. Worley ; 1891, J. B. Robbins; 1892, W. C. Dunlap; 1893-94-95-96,
H. J. Adams; 1897-98-99, A. M. Williams; 1900-01-02, P. B. Allen; 190304-05-06, Ford McRea; 1907-08-09, W. T. Lovejoy; 1910, T. J. Christian;
1911-12-13-14, W. T. Ervine; 1915-16-17-18, S. B. Ledbetter; 1919-2021-22, J. F. Yarbrough ; 1923-24-25-26, S. A. Harris; 1927-28-29-30,
Frank Quillian; 1931, J. R. Turner.
During the pastorate of S. P. Wiggins a new church was built on t h e
lot where the present church now stands. The following composed t h e
building committee: T. A. Jackson, H. P. Lumpkin, and J. D. Fariss.
In 1924 this church was torn away and a handsome building was erected, valued a t $22,000.00. This building i s modern in every respect, has
Sunday school rooms, kitchenette and dining room in the basement.
The building committee was: 0. W. Bledsoe, Chm.;E. P. Hall, Jr., I.
H. Holleman, T. M. Quillian, and T. A. Jackson.
The Sunday school is fully organized under the efficient leadership
of W. E. McKeown, assisted by W. D. Dunwoody, 0.W. Bledsoe, Mrs.
Max Wallace, Mrs. George Ransom, Jr., and Mrs. C. C. McConnell as
superintendents of the different departments, who in t u r n are assisted by an efficient corps of teachers.
The church trustees a r e I. H. Holleman, T. M. Quillian, E. P. Hall,
Jr., W. D. Dunwoody and 0. W. Bledsoe. The beautiful parsonage is
located on South Main street and is kept supplied by the ladies of t h e
church. The parsonage trustees are T. M. Quillian, W. B. Shaw, H. S.
Lovern, W. D. Dunwoody and A. I?. Gilreath.
Dr. Hector Park went a s a medical missionary to China from this
church in 1882 and served till 1927, when he returned to his native
land broken in health. He died in Florida in 1928. He was dearly beloved by the Chinese. Mrs. Park and her family are yet in China. Dr.
Park's work among these people was an inspiration t o all who came under
his influence and the good he did will ever stand out as a monument to
his memory.
The Woman's Missionary Society is fully organized and doing splendid work in every department. Mrs. W. L. Stansell i s president and
I
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under her Christian leadership the society is doing fine work. Mrs.
J. A. Shaw is teacher of one of the most interesting Bible classes; and
Mrs. E. P. Hall, Jr., is leader of the Mission Bible class. Too much
cannot be said of this class. We have just completed the book, "The
Turn Toward Peace." All who availed themselves of this opportunity
felt blest from having been fortunate enough to have attended these
lectures. Mrs. J. C. Cavender is leader of the Belle Bennett Circle, and
Mrs. J. C. Keown leader of the Dorcas Circle. The following are the
officers f o r 1931: Pres., Mrs. W. L. Stansell; Vice Pres., Mrs. J. C.
Keown; Rec. Sec., Mrs. R, H. Pitman; Cor. Sec., Mrs. J. C. Cavender ;
Treas., Miss,) Mary L. Patton; Asst. Treas., Mrs. W D. Dunwoody;
Christian Relation Chrm., Mrs. Max Wallace; Supplies, Mrs. Fletcher
Hegwood; Pub. Chrm., Mrs. W. M. Hammond; Program Leader, Mrs.
0. W. Bledsoe,
Mrs. Laura G. Snow has been a member of this society for 45 years,
and has always taken a n active .part and still does so. Miss Mary
Lizzie Patton has been the treasurer for 40 years. Mrs. W. M. Hammond has been pianist for six years and has not missed a meeting. Mrs.
J. H.Hammond helped to organize the society in 1883 and except for
the few years she resided in another town has been a continuous member and has held prominent offices.
The society was organized in 1883, the first president being Mrs.
McWhorter. I was unable to secure all the presidents' names but the
following have served the past twenty years: 1911, Mrs. S. J. Shaw;
1912, Mrs. H. P. Lumpkin ; 1913-14, Mrs. J. H. Hammond ; 1915-16-17,
Mrs. J. A. Shaw; 1918-19-20-21, Mrs. S. J. Shaw; 1922-23, Mrs. J. A.
Shaw; 1924-25, Mrs. D. R. Thurman and Mrs. J. C. Cavender ; 1926-27,
Mrs. J. A. Shaw; 1928-29, Mrs. E. P. Hall, Jr.; 1930-31, Mrs. W. L.
Stansell.
The following stewards are serving now. Some of them have been
in this office for several years while others have been gradually added:
I. H. Holleman, Chrm.; E. P. Hall, Jr., Treas.; W. E. McKeown, Sec.;
0.W. Bledsoe, D. W. Stiles, A. F. Gilreath, R. C. Wilson, T. M. Quillian,
R. H. Pitman, John Dodson, ;R.A. Wardlaw, Sr., Tom Rhyne, R. V.
Thurman, W. D. Dunwoody, Max Wallis, M. M. McCord, Gus Martin,
and T. A. Jackson, honorary steward.
METHODIST
EPISCOPAL
CHURCH. Several churches of this denomination are located in the county, as follows: South Rossville, Wallaceville, Garrett's Chapel, Bethel and Harrisburg. A church of this denomination once existed near Center Post, called Mt. Zion, but it was
discontinued about 1888. There was also, in the eighties, an organization on Pigeon mountain called Mt. N e b which was later discontinued.
South Rossville is, perhaps, the leading and strongest of these
churches. It was organized in 1910 in the home of S. F. Blaylock with
the following charter members: S. F. Blaylock and wife, J. A. Allen,
Ernest Cook, G. B. Miner, Dora Hixon, Rev. P. R. Broyles, Henry Stan-
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HISTORY
OF WALKER
COUNTY,
GEORGIA
377
ley, Harbert Cook, Anna Stanley, Stella Miner, and Ruth Wright. The
present house of worship is of brick and is modern in every respect,
having an annex for Sunday school classes and other church activities.
This is one of the leading churches of Rossville. In 1920 i t entertained
the Georgia Conference, also again in 1928.
The other churches mentioned are scattered throughout the county
and are composed of some of the leading citizens of the county. They
are worshiping in good houses and are surrounded and supported by a
strong membership. These churches were organized soon after the
Civil War and have been served by many excellent pastors. The following may not be charter members but were among the older members of this denomination in the county: B. F. Loughridge, John T.
Thurman, H. A. (Tip) Blaylock, Peter Wallace, Philip Schmitt, Rev.
Broyles and many others.
Among the pastors who have served these various churches may be
mentioned Revs. D. W. Cook and B. F. Allen, both of whom are aging
fast and*are now honored citizens of our county.
The following have at different times served these churches as pastors: H. Boyd ; Henry Mitchel ; D. W. Cook ; P. P. Carroll ;W. D. Allen ;
T. J. Turner; David Boyles; J. H. Hurley; J. H. King; W. A. Styles;
B. F. Allen ; J. D. Harris ; W. F. Pitts; J. L. Anderson ; W. A. Martin;
L. D. Ellington; P. R. Broyles; F. F. Frisbie; E. J. Williams; T. A.
Morgan ; T. N. Crumpton ; W. W. Adcock; E. E. Caveleri ; E. B. Aycock;
H. H. Bowen ; J. W. May; M. D. Perry; F. L. Waid; J. A. King ; Dr.
Aehe; G. 0 . Mulkey ; 0.B. White; Rev. Freeman; Arthur Chastain.
CHICK~MAUGA
BAPTISTCHURCH. Organized a t the home of Marcus
Johnson on August 31, 1850, being constituted by John Burk, Wm. P.
Burk and Brother Williams as a presbytery. The following were charter members, or, were among the very early members: Edward Baldwin, Margarett Baldwin, Zedakiah Myers, Mary Myers, Hiram Lemmons,
Rebecca Lemmons, Mary Higgins, Mary Turner, James Moad, John
Gray, John Turner, Jane Malicoat, Wm. Mayfield, Jefferson Dyer, John
Dyer, Aneel Patrick, Burrell Dalton, S. B. Dyer, Marcus Johnson and
wife, Avis Camp and wife, H. Weathers and wife, Wash Harp and wife,
Susie Glenn, Samantha Lewallen, Levy Weathers, Elizabeth Gordon,
Rebecca Lard, Mary Lard, Ellen Shamblin, Gabriel Cooper, Daniel Murdock, Wilson Partin, and Miss Morgan. Aaron Fitzgerald was the first
pastor. Marcus Johnson donated five acres of land for the church and
burial ground. The first building was a small log house which was burned
during the War Between the States. The second building, a small frame
structure, was erected in 1862 which was succeeded by a larger house in
1883 which cost $434.24. The following were the building committee:
John C. Greene, J. T. Scott, John T. Blay'ock, and S. B. Dyer. Rev. T.
C. Tucker was pastor a t this time.
In April, 1912, the name was changed to First Baptist church of
Chickamauga, and the present handsome building was erected at a cost
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OW $3,500.00. The building committee being J. T. Troutman, W. M.
Prince, J. A. Hearn, C. R. Phillips, E. V. Pless, S. C. Tarver and G. W.
Lindsay; W. M. Griffitt being pastor. The present membership is 226.
The first minute book of this church has recently been located and is
a most interesting relic of church matters of antebellum days. It recites
with remarkable clearness and exactness the actions and operations of
the church during its first few years of existence. During a large part
of this time there was one or more charges against various members for
some actual o r imaginary misconduct and for which the member was
cited to the zext conference for trial, some being excluded and others
exonerated. A t all these conferences one item was to "call for acknowledgments," and it is noted that often some member offered his acknowledgments for some infraction of conduct,-at one time as many as four
doing this. After passing this item the moderator always called f o r the
"peace and fenowship" of the church, and under this head they who had
failed to make acknowledgments, where due, were generally brought up
and a charge preferred against them, a committee appointed t o see them
and cite to trial a t the next conference. Most of this has passed away.
It is now history. It i s more or less familiar to some of our older brethren but the younger membership of the church knows nothing of it. This
writer has not heard these items called in a church conference in more
than a quarter of a century. Verily, we are moving!
This old book recites that a petition was made t o the State Line Association for membership on August 23, 1852, the delegates being Wm.
P. Burke, Wm. L. Gordon and Sainuel Carson.
The Crawfish Spring church does not appear in the minutes of the
Coosa Baptist Association till 1869, so far as this writer has been able
to obtain old oopies of minutes. Evidently the church was a t first a
member of the State Line Association, later joining the Coosa.
Marcus Johnson was licensed to preach on October 16, 1852. A t the
conference held on September 26, 1868, a motion was carried that "we
keep up the ordinance of washing feet." There are many other interesting records in the old minute book. This church has had a remarkable
history and i s now one of the leading churches in the county.
A roster of pastors, which is believed to be nearly correct, is a s follows : A. Fitzgerald ; Wm. P. Burk, 1852-56; R. Ware, 1856- ( ?) ; John
Burk, 1865-(?) ; W. T. Russell, 1869-71; W. T. Park, 1872; J. H. Blaylock, 1873; D. Scruggs, 1874- ( ? ) ; J. M. Robertson ( ?) -1881 ; T. C. Tucker
1882-88; W. A. Howard, 1889; R. L. Trotter, 1890-93; T. R. Harden,
1894-(about 1901) ; J. L. Burk, about 1902; L. H. Sylar (?)-1911, also
1914-15; W. M. GrifEtt, 1912-13; W. C. Tallent, 1916; S. N. Hamic, 191718; R. M. Brooks, 1919-20; R. L. Austin, 1921; G. W. McClure, 1922-24;
U. S. Thomas, 1927-28; Carl McGinnis, 1929-.
KIRBYCHAPEL. Second Christian Adventist. This church was organized in 1915 with 11 charter members. Present membership about
70. It is located one mile east of Sharpe and is composed of a loyal memVISIT US @ http://www.gagenweb.org
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bership of some of our best citizens. They have a neat house of worship
of necessary size where they have regular preaching and other services.
The following ministers have acted as pastors of the congregation:
J. W. Gilbreath; C. D. Gilbreath; F. M. Powell; L. B. Allmon; J. M.
Allmon; and Cleve Weston, the present pastor.
Some 25 years ago a church of this faith was established near High
on Lookout mountain which was later discontinued because of many members moving away. Recently, however, it has been reorganized with
some 15 members and L. B. Allmon, pastor.
CAMPMEETINGS,
CONCORD,
CEDARGROVEAND PEAVINE.
There were. according to the best information obtainable at this
time, three Camp Grounds in Walker County before the War. -These
were Concord in the eastern p a r t of the county, Cedar Grove in the
western part and Peavine in the central part. Since they were operated
on the same plan, a description of the Concord meetings will suffice
for all.
The Methodist church a t Concord was organized about the year
1844, and is, therefore, among the oldest churches in the county. The
first building was of logs which was about 20 by 24 feet. I n 1851, Rev.
Henry Casper gave t o the church a deed to two acres of land on which
the log house stood a t that time. The deed recites t h a t f o r "good considerations" t h e land is granted "to have and to hold in t r u s t for the
ministers and members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, as
a place of worship". Later, in 1855, the trustees of the church bought
12 more acres from the administrators of the Rev. Casper, making 14
acres in all.
About 1851 or 52, the congregation erected a large two-story building to be used a s a church, and Masonic hall above. I n 1882, the twostory building was torn down and a new building erected in its place,
which was in t u r n remodeled in 1907 and is still used f o r worship-a
handsome and convenient house. The first and original log house was
used for school purposes for many years.
Soon after the establishment of the church-probably in the late
forties-a camp ground was laid out, and, annually, till t h e days of the
Civil War, a camp meeting was held a t this place. It is related by old
settlers, who have heard it from still older citizens t h a t immense
crowds of people attended these meetings. They came for many miles,
-from Summerville, Rome, Dalton, Calhoun, Resaca, and from points
in Alabama and Tennessee to attend ,these meetings. The crowds were
often estimated a t from 1500 to 2000 people. An immense brush arbor
was erected in which the meetings were held. Houses and tents were
built to accomodate those who came to camp. These houses contained
sleeping rooms, porches and passageways, and were quite comfortablem
Long rows of these houses were erected, mostly of logs, but some of
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lumber. Cooking and eating was done, mostly, in the open. The occasional visitor, or stranger who happened at these meetings, was made
to feel at home, and solicited by every body to partake of the viands
which were present in abundance. Great numbers of horses, wagons
and buggies were present on the grounds, and the whole scene was a
most animated one.
The camp-meetings were discontinued during the War, but after
peace was established, they were again inaugurated and continued till
about the year 1893.
Many of the old-time, Gospel preachers attended these meetings.
Among them may be mentioned such characters as, Tom Simmons, Joe
Ab Louis, Dickey Harwell, Presiding Elder Thigpen, Dr. Felton and
others. These old preachers spoke with such force and power, and
with such heart-felt unction that, not only were Christians made to rejoice, but many sinners were made repentant and converted from their
evil waya. There were usually three sermons each day-morning, afternoon and night-with grove meetings between. At these latter, the
people would gather in the adjacent groves and sing and pray, and
often there were praises and hallelujahs at these simple services. The
spiritual awakening from powerful sermons, leading to a renewal of
consecration in the Christian lives of the people, the daily Bible readings, the holy conversations, and the delightful associations and fellowships of these Camp Meetings were sources of great religious power in the very early history of the county.
These meetings were usually held in the month of August, when
there was little work to do on the farm. Having spent a week or ten
days thus, everybody would break away and return home to talk of the
wonderful experiences of the occasion, and to long for the next annual meeting.
The meetings a t Concord andsat Cedar Grove were run by the Methodist churches a t those places. The meeting at Peavine was a Baptist
Camp-Meeting and was run by that denomination as noted elsewhere.
PLEASANT
HILLCHURCH. Organized 1847. The first house, erected
from poplar logs, stood on the hill-side north of the spring. Miss Sue
Gore, who lived at that time near where the Marsh-Horn residence
now stands, in looking across the little hollow toward the church noting
the beautiful environment of the situation on the hill-side suggested
that i t be called Pleasant Hill, a name most happily suggested and
adopted. It is believed that the log house was torn away about 1858
or 1859 and a small frame house erected which in turn was replaced
by the present house in 1871. The present house has just recently
(1931) had an annex added whic.h improves much its usefulness and
appearance.
It is not known certainly who were the charter members. Abraham
Belton Neal and his wife Rebecca i t is believed were charter members,
certainly they were among the very first members. An old minute
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book of the quarterly meeting held March 11, 1870, now in possession
of Mr. George Morton of near Subligna, gives R. Po Neal, R. B. Neal,
Wm. Gore, and A. W. H. Tweedle a s official members of the church.
Abraham B. Neal was of the old fashioned type of Methodist exhorters
and did a lot of religious work and was followed by some of his boys
and grandchildren in religious teaching. He deeded the land on which
the church is built. Services were held in his home for several years
before the first house of worship was built. During the spring and
summer the audience would sit in the yard, the preacher standing in
the hall-way between the two log rooms. At protracted meetings they
erected a brush harbor for services. Mr. Neal came into the valley
about 1839.
According to the old record book of Mr. Morton mentioned above
the following have served this church and Concord church a s pastors:
Samuel Price 1870; .,J.B. Moreland 1871; W. R. Branham 1872; S. b.
Evans 1873; G. W. Thomas 1874; J. B. McFarland 1875; W. T. Yarbrough 1876; E. B. Reece 1877-78; R. P. Martin 1879; Rev. Shackleford
1880; Mark Edwards..l881-82; J. T. Edwards 1883; George King 188485; S. B. Ledbetter 1886; S. N. Snow 1887; T. So Edwards 1888; F. L.
R. Smith 1889; Fletcher Walton 1890; F. L. R. Smith 1891; L. D. Coggins 1892-93; W. R. Kennedy 1894-95; J. N. Myers 189687; C. H. H a r t
man 1898-99; J. E. Russell 1900; Walter Millican 1901-02; J. A. Sprayberry 1904-05-06; J. S. Ralls 1907-08 (Died in May 1908 and C. S. Martin finished out the year) ; J. T. Pendley 1909; J. T. Lovern 1910; L.
B. Hughes 1911; W. S. Norton 1912-13; T. T. Thurman 1914; A. E. Silvey 1915-16; J. B. Gresham 1917; Wilson Hensley 1918; J. B. Legg
1919; J. H. Couch 1920-21-22; V. A. Roark 1923-24; R. J. Johnson 192526 ; Odam Clark 1927-28-29 ; V. H. Taylor 1930; Barrett Barton 1931.
(For Presiding Elders, see roster elsewhere).
PRIMITIVE
BAPTISTS.SOfar as the author is aware there is no church
of this distinctive faith now in the county, the last one having disbanded
some years ago. This was located near Cooper Heights and was the
Mecca for the gathering of all the members of that faith during the last
quarter-century of its existence. This church had its origin, it is claimed,
near Pond Spring where there was a building and congregation before
the war and after. Finally it was decided to remove farther west near
the center of the greater number of the membership. There was also a
church of this denomination at or near Warren and here for many yeare
the congregation had regular services and stated meetings. There were
probably others in the county many years ago.
While there is no organization now in the county there are still quite
a number of the old members. among us. They are and always were
among the most upright, reliable and honest citizens of the county.
Much should be said in favor of and in honor of the old-time Hardshell
Baptists. They were great believers in honesty and truthfulness. It is
said that if a stranger came into the community and wanted to buy on
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a credit i t was an easy matter for him to do so when it was known that
he was a Primitive Baptist. It is generally agreed that no distinctive
set of people have ever been known who were more scrupulous, ardent and
zealous in meeting their obligations-which is saying something in their
honor in this Year of Our Lord One Thousand Nine Hundred Thirty and
One.
The author recalls an incident that made a deep impression on him
when a mere lad back in the early eighties. He lived a s a n orphan boy
with an old gentleman, his benefactor, near what was then Crawfish
Spring. It happened that the Honorable John B. Wheeler, then and for
many years afterward Representative from this county, on his way to
Chattanooga, stopped t o spend the night with his benefactor, they being
old acquaintances and friends. Mr. Wheeler was a Primitive Baptist,
my benefactor a Missionary Baptist and his wife a Methodist. After
supper the conversation easily turned t o religious and church matters.
Well do I recall how I s a t there a very attentive listener to the conversation. Much was said that I fail to remember, but I recall that the lady
asked Mr. Wheeler if he were not afraid of the devil. "Afraid of the
devil?" he said. "I am no more afraid of the devil than I am of that
house cat." The lady (and myself) who had always been taught t o fear
the devil, looked aghast a t this reply; but a s I have grown older and
learned more I have come to be very much of Mr. Wheeler's mind.
Foot-washing was one of the distinctive doctrines that differentiated
the Primitive Baptists from most other denominations. This is described
in the thirteenth chapter of John. Our primitive brethren accepted this
a s one of the ordinances of the church to be observed and practised equally with other ordinances-the ordinance of baptism and the Lord's supper. At least once annually, generally in the spring, the ordinance of
foot-washing was observed by the church. Many of our older citizens
have been present and witnessed the procedure. I t was always entered
into with great reverence and humility. Not only the pastor who officiated but those who took part showed by their actions and movements
that they felt the deep humility that must have permeated the Master
when he washed the feet of his disciples. Many times i t happened that
the moist eyes bore mute testimony to the heart-felt happiness that pervaded those taking part in the exercises.
It used t o be, also, that many Missionary churches occasionally observed this ordinance. It is probable that we have a few churches even
yet that practise it. Foot-washing was not the cause of the decline of
the Primitive church. F a r from it. The reason was deeper seated.
There was a want of vision among the leaders as to missionary endeavor,
Sunday schools and other religious movements of the day and time. Had
the leaders been more progressive and led the membership to take part
in the great missionary movement inaugurated by Paul; had they embraced the opportunity t o educate and train the younger generation by
means of Sunday schools and other church auxiliaries i t is likely that
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the great Primitive church would be thriving among us to-day. (These
observations are made in the very kindest feeling and with no intention
to criticise. They are given here as an h,onest opinion on a historical
matter).
The following are some of the older members of this farnois old denomination as i t existed years ago in the county. The bare mention of
many of these names recalls the rugged honesty and manly virtue with
which their lives were associated: John B. Wheeler; Calvin Wheeler;
James Boman; Elder Ansel Massey; Reuben Childress; Elder William
Shaw; Arby Shaw ; John Childress ; Webster Lawrence; Elder Thad Scoggins; Elder Clingling; Thomas Blackwell; J. P. Johnson; L. J. Scroggins; Simeon Brymer; Jack Adcock; Hamp Young; Adam Davis; John
Fisher; Rev. Rambo.
SAILOHBAPTIS~:
CHURCH. Organized Saturday, June 29, 1839, by
presbytery composed of E. Dyer and Wm. Catlett. Charter members:
John MeWilliams, Thomas Whitlow, John Amos, Constantine Wood,
Maiden Wood, Mary Liles, Mary Young, Jane Suttle, Elvina Robertson,
Elizabeth McWilliams, Omey, a servant of J. Young. The following day,
Sunday, Elizabeth Little was received as a member. Wm. Catlett was
called a s pastor.
Humphrey Posey was one of the early pastors of this church. He
was a missionary to the Cherokee Indians, and after their removal he
labored among the early settlers of this region, establishing many
churches. His wife died in 1842 and was buried in Wood Station valley,
near Temperance Hall in Walker, now Catoosa county. The Baptists of
this section owe a great debt to this faithful minister of pioneer days.
The present church house was built by Andrew Kline during the latter
fifties and is one of the largest and most commodious church houses in
the county-possibly the very largest. This is, and has been, one of the
very strong Baptist churches of the county. Here the Suttles, McWilliamses, Youngs, Bomars, Easterlings, Jacksons, Littles, Cleckler's, McClures, Ponders, Woods, and many others-all old aristocratic families
from the Old South State, met on stated occasions for worship. During
those palmy days that lovely valley was teeming with a busy population
of prosperous people who rarely failed to attend church services. A section of the church was set apart for the use of slaves, many of whom
were members of the church. Most of the old settlers of the valley owned
slaves. Often during those prosperous days did the Association meet
with this church.
The minute for Oct. 21, 1843, has this entry: "Took up the reference of the last conference, (viz), whether this church will in the future
take up the duty of foot washing, which was agreed to." Also, this in
the minute for conference held on Sept. 14, 1850: "Agreed to wash feet
on Saturday night of our next meeting."
Roster of Pastors: Wm. Catlett, 2. H. Gordon, S. M. Pile, H. Posey,
E. Dyer, A. Shattuck, Hillman Williams, Jacob Tate, James Adams, Wm.
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*Newton, G. W. Selvage, D. B. Dickey, A. C. Dayton, J. J. S. Caloway, D.
K. Moreland, H. Stout, F. W. Cheyne, W. C. Wilks, H. S. Moore, J. G.
Hunt, B. F. Hunt, C. E. Wright, J. M. Dodd, C. B. Wright, E. B. Farrar,
I. S. Leonard, C. W. Howard, Wilburn Head.
Page '110 of the Minute Book tells a tragic story. I t says : "July,
1863, no meeting. July 2, C. W. McWilliams killed a t Gettyrcburg, Pa.
Aug. 15, 1863, no meeting. Sept., no meeting. Sepf. 19, 1863, Robert M.
Little killed in the battle of Chickamauga. Oct. 63, no meeting; Nov. 63,
no meeting; Dec., ditto; Jan., 64, no meeting; Feb., 64, no meeting.
March, April, May, June, July, Aug., Sept., we had no meeting. Oct., 64,
Brother Shattuck preached for us and agreed to serve us if the church
wished."
CHURCHOF CHRIST, OR CHRISTIAN
CHURCH. The first organization of
this denomination in the county was established on Monday, May 8, 1848,
near Waterville, by Evangelist Rees Jones, and was called Philadelphia.
It is not clear just how many names were enrolled on that date, but from
that time till September 7,1863, the number of members was 156. Among
the early members a t that place were the Halls and Mills and their descendants, as well as Bryan S. Rutledge and others. Some of these old
church records are still extant and are interesting as showing how the
fathers lived and acted in the long ago. After some of the names on the
church record i t is written: "Took the sop and went out," which means
they forsook the faith or backslid.
Some years after the Civil War the place of worship was changed to
Hall school house, then to Pleasant Grove near Trion. The Hall's Valley
church was organized in 1901, and is a prosperous thriving congregation
at this date. The following were charter members: J. G. Holland and
wife; J. T. Hendrix and wife; Mary Rutledge; Catherine and Elizabeth
Hall ; Sallie Rutledge ; R. T. Hall and wife ; Flavil Hall ; Mary Ocie Hall ;
Johnnie F. Hollis and wife; W. T. Westbrook and wife.
Among the preachers who did service for the Philadelphia church
before and after the war were: Rees Jones, Gilbert Randolph, T. A.
Witherspoon, M. Love, George W. Bacon, and Joe Wheeler. At Pleasant
Grove the following have served a s pastors: Nathan W. Smith, Charlie
Jones, J. K. Walling, W. T. Kidwill, N. J. Tumlin, R. N. Moody, W. H.
Bird, J. D. Jones, T. B. Larimore, A. B. Lipscomb, Granville Lipscomb,
S. H. Hall, S. R. Logue, W. C. Philips, Charles Holder, H. W. Banks, L.
H. Reavis, Flavil Hall and his son, Gardner.
About the time of the organization of the Philadelphia church, a traveling preacher stopped a t William Jones', near Rock Spring, and preached
there one night. Part of the family obeyed the Gospel and repaired t o
the creek after the service and were baptised. Later a church was established near by on what was known a s the Peacock place where the congregation worshiped till the Civil War when the house was destroyed by
fire. After the war, for many years, Gilbert Randolph, Nathan Smith,
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Charles Jones and others preached in the grove on Mrs. Willoughby's
place near the site of the old church.
A church was established at Mission Ridge about 1885. The membership was small. C. Clements was one of the leading members there.
Brother Avery preached there about 25 years. It was finally disbanded
and the church property went into the hands of the Baptists.
The LaFayette church was established in 1913 a t the present site.
The first members were: J. J. Williams, G. S. Ramey, John IIollis, E. M.
Colbert, Mace Rutledge, Clark Thompson and others, being organized by
Rev. Charles Holder. The church has a handsome and convenient house
of worship and is in a prosperous condition. Some of the pastors have
been: Charles Holder, Aruna Clark, R. E. Wright, S. HeProffitt, Sam
Connally, L. Hi Reavis, Flavil Hall, L. EmPryor, E. Gm Collins, En.A.
Lowery, Paul Buchanan, WeC. Philips, ReA. Zahn.
The church a t Chickamauga was established in 1920 and is in a prosperous condition. They have a suitable and convenient house of worship
situated in a central part of the town. Elder Sam Connally is the pastor. Other pastors have been: Paul Buchanan, Aruna Clark and others.
A church of this faith was organized near the Furnace in East
Armuchee Valley in 1882 by Rev. Charley Jones who served a s pastor
for a number of years. Following him John Jones was pastor till 1915
when his health broke, since which time no regular services have been
held. Some of the older members here were Adam Davis, Jesse Davis,
and Rial Stansell.
CHURCH. This is one of the county's anteCEDARGROVEMETHODIST
bellum churches. Here during the fifties an annual Camp Meeting was
held for many years. 'his meeting was attended by everybody in that
part of the county, as also by many people from Tennessee, especially
from Sequatchie valley. For the accommodation of the Camp Meeting a
large barn-like structure was erected with no sides and no floor. Lumber
was placed for seats between which was a liberal application of straw
and saw dust. This substantial building was used for years for meeting
purposes.
For the use of the church William Daugherty deeded three acres of
land to James Bunch, Laden T. Rogers, Vines Hanvell, Charles G. Holland, James H. Clarkson, Thomas Jones and Jefferson J. Coulter, trustees.
It is dated 1851. The first house served the congregation till 1883 when
a better building was erected. This house was used for 48 years, or
till 1923 when it was destroyed by fire. The present handsome house
was immediately built.
Mr. J. A. Coulter, one of the older members of the church, recalls
mast vividly some of the old incidents of the early life of the church.
He tells of one of the old Gospel preachers who used to preach with such
unction and power that often not a dry eye might be seen in the audience.
He recalls how this old servant of God, himself aged and infirm, in his
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public devotions and prayers would sometimes say, "Oh Lord bless us old
people; we who have already lived out our three-score years and ten and
now living on borrowed time; we who have traveled the King's Highway for half a century, and not tired of it yet, although we may weary
because of the roughness of the road and the infirmity of the flesh; we
who, like Christian, have, at times, passed through the Valley of the
Shadow of Death, and a t other times have mounted the Delectable Mountains; Oh Lord bless us old people." The peculiar manner, trembling
voice, solemn and humble, of this old servant of God in his devotions and
prayers was a benediction in itself.
ROSTEROF PASTORS
of the Methodist churches, Cedar Grove, Kensington and the Cove. In the early years Chickamauga was served by these
same pastors. The author is indebted to Rev. Geo. W. Barrett, Secretary of the North Georgia Conference, for a list of the names of pastors
of that denomination serving the various churches of the county. This
list only reaches back to about 1888. A few of the older pastors are remembered by some of the older members. Mrs. Lottie Hunter gives the
first.
Samuel W. McWhorter, 1871-72; J. B. McFarland, 1873; A. 0.Steward, 1874; H. C. Christian, 1875-76; P. G. Reynolds, 1877-78; J. N. Myers,
1879; A. J. Hughes, 1880; R. L. Campbell, 1881; N. E. McBrayer, 188283; William Dunbar (no date) ; Wililam Shea (no date) ; R. B. 0.England, 1888; W. C. Dunlap, 1890; J. R. Speck, 1891; W. R. Kennedy, 189293; G. C. Andrews, 1894; J. A. Quillian, 1895-96; J. A. Thunnan, 189798; J. F. Balis, 1899; W. 6. Crawley, 1900-01; Olin King, 1902-03; H.
M. Strozier, 1904-05; W. 0. Butler, 1906; M. K. Patillo, 1907-08; C. S.
Martin, 1909; 0. M. Ponder, 1910-11; H. L. Hendrix, 1912; C. A. Hall,
1913-14-15;W. J. Culpepper, 1916; F. G. Spearman, 1917-18; L. L. Landrum, 1919; C. P. Harris, 1920.
Other pastors' names without dates are as follows: B. Jones; W. B.
Taylor ; H. 0.Green; T. L. Rutland; J. A. Sprayberry; Henry Harden ;
W. F. Powell; J. R. McCurdy ; H. A. King. .
The author does not flatter himself to believe that this roster is correct in all respects. Charges and circuits often change names and because of this it i s difficult to know just what churches are included.
PRESIDING
ELDERS
of the Dalton District from 1870 to date: H. J.
Adams, 1870 ; G.J. Pierce, 1871-72; R. G. Bigham, 1873-74; J. D. Myrick,
1875-76; A. M. Thigpen, 1877-78-79; W. A. Parks, 1880-81; J. F. Mixon,
1882-83-84; W. F. Quillian, 1885-86-87; J. M. Lowery, 1888-89; A. G.
Worley, 1890; J. B. Robins, 1891; W. C. Dunlap, 1892; H. J. Adams, 189394-95-96; A. W. Williams, 1897-98-99; B. P. Allen, 1900-01-02; Ford
McRee, 1904-05-06 ; W. P. Lovejoy, 1907-08-09-10 ; J. T. Christian, 1911;
W. T. Ervine, 1912-13-14-15; S. B. Ledbetter, 1916-17-18-19 (died in
March, 1919, and J. F. Yarbrough filled out the term) ; J. F. Yarbrough,
1920-21-22; A. S. Harris, 1923-24-25-26 ; Frank Quillian, 1927-28-29-30 ;
J. R. Turner, 1931-.
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KENSINGTONMETHODIST
Church. This church was organized near Hiniard's Cross Rgads, later known a s Bailey's Cross Roads, and now called
Coulter's Cross Roads. I t was organized long before the War Between
the States, and was known as Payne's Chapel. Later, a t the suggestion
of Dr. Thornburg, one of the early members and a local preacher, i t was
re-named Cassandra, and the postoffice of that name took its name from
the church. About 1890 it was moved to its present location and the name
again changed.
This is one of the substantial churches of the county, being located in
the beautiful and fruitful valley of McLemore's Cove, and surrounded
by and composed of many of the prosperous people of that fertile valley. I t stands well to the front among the leading rural churches of the
county.
A roster of the paston who have served this church are the same, in
the main as those serving the Cedar Grove church, both being on the same
charge. The present pastor is Rev. H. A. King.
The following information regarding this church is furnished by Mr.
J. R. Tyner.
The church was organized about 1838 or 1840. The land was given
by Wm. Satterfield and was deeded the 22 day of April, 1844, to William
Conley, Thomas Evitt, Daniel Evans, Samuel Brice and Wm. Satterfield,
Commissioners, and their successors in office so long a s used for church
purposes. The brethren named were some of the early members of the
church. Others of the old members were: William Conley, L.P., H.J.
Evans, L.P., Wm. W. Tyner, L.P., Samuel Brice, L.P., Riley Payne, Exhorter, William Smith, C.L., H. J. Conley, Steward. There were others
whose names are forgotten a t this time.
I t should be recorded here that many of the old sisters of the church
were very zealous as workers in the church and were always on hand and
ready to lend a helping hand in any way possible. Old Grandma Brice
was one of these, a s were also, Aunt Margaret Conley, Aunt Sarah Conley,
Adlaid Brice and many others now forgotten. To the honor and to the
memory of these saintly old ladies whether named here or not, who have
been sleeping in the adjacent burying ground now for many years, i t is
desired to say a word of praise for their beautiful lives of unselfish devotion to the cause of the church and for the good of the community.
The first house of worship was a log cabin which was used as such
for a number of years. During the late fifties a good sized frame building was erected and used for worship, but was not ceiled till after the
war, when it was also painted and new benches placed into it. This
house served the community for many years during which the church
prospered. I n 1907 the present house was erected by the following building committee: C. M. Conley, Z. W. Jones, R. G. Wellborn and Dr. Lee
Bird. Mrs. Jack Jones, nee Maggie Conley, now residing in Chatta-
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nooga, was active and instrumental in procuring and furnishing seats
for the church and furniture f o r the pulpit, this being her childhood
home and church. After completion it was dedicated by Rev. Ford McRea,
Presiding Elder of the Dalton district.
A roster of pastors of the church will be the same in the main as that
for the LaFayette Methodist church, since the two churches were served
by the same pastors till a few years back.
The Coosa Baptist Association was organized in 1837. Most of the
churches going into the organization of the body had formerly belonged
to the Cave Spring Association. Originally the Coosa covered a large
part of northwest Georgia as well as large parts of Alabama and Tennessee. Churches composing this association were scattered from Rome
to Chattanooga and fram Dalton to Fort Payne, Alabama. As late as
1905 several churches in Tennessee and Alabama held membership in
the Coosa. From the territory of the original Coosa Association have
sprung the following associations : North Georgia, Chattooga, Lookout
Valley, Catoosa, Floyd and possibly others.
A generation ago, and for many years previous, the annual meeting
of the association was one of the principal events of the summer season. The association usually met on Thursday evening and continued
in session till Sunday noon-three full days. It was considered quite
an honor in those days to be sent a s a delegate to the association, and
there was, sometimes, in some of the churches, a friendly rivalry as to
who the messengers should be. They were generally selected a month in
advance and preparations were immediately begun to attend. The old
buggy was repaired, or horse shod; a new hat or pair of shoes was purchased, and a little money carefully laid by for missions.
The church and community entertaining the association was active
for weeks in advance getting ready for the meeting. The church house
might be repaired or painted, or a large brush arbor might be erected
to be used in lieu of the church; the grounds were to clean off and long
'tables to be built; homes were to be secured to entertain the delegates
and visitors; a beef or two, sheep, kids and pigs were to be killed and
divided among the members to feed the throngs.
The people came in wa.gons, buggies, mounted or afoot. And such
crowds as might be seen at these meetings! Conveyances and animals
were crowded together for several hundreds of yards, maybe; and there
was a constant movement out doors of people attending to horses and
other matters.
These meetings were great spiritual feasts, for there were present
some of the great old-time preachers who were full of the Holy Ghost
and when they spoke or preached it carried conviction and there was
hardly a dry eye in the vast audience. There were always a t least two
sermons a day, a t eleven and a t night-maybe in the afternoon. There
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were reports and discussions on Missions, Education, Publications and
some other subjects, but the program was not filled to overflowing
with reports as we have it today. There was time for preaching, singing
and prayer and for old-time Christian fellowshipa spiritual feast.
At these meetings a collection was always taken for missions or
other such objects, usually after the Missionary sermon was preached.
Also, the delegates were called upon to make pledges in the name of their
churches for money to be paid during the year for missions or other
worthy cause. The Finance committee was one of the important committees a t that time. Its report was a kind of balance sheet for the
year, showing collections and disbursements of funds.
In those days every delegate spent a t least two nights, sometimes
three. Instances have occurred when fifty or more people have been
entertained by one household. The beds and every available space on
the floor being occupied by the ladies, the men sleeping a t the barn in
the hay. An improvised table out doors under the trees was generally
used on these occasions on which to serve meals, especially where there
was a large number being entertained. Breakfast over, everybody repaired to the church-all except the good lady and her daughters, who
must now get the mid-day meal ready to take to the church to feed the
crowds a t noon. And such dinners! Everything cooked a t home, fresh
and good. No ready-bought loaf bread in those days; no canned goods.
Everything prepared a t home. Beef, mutton or pork, ham or chicken,
eggs and bacon, with a heaping platter of beans or other vegetables; oldfashioned corn light-bread, fre8h biscuits, pies, cakes, fruits and often hot
coffee'made up the noon-day meal.
In that early day of moderation, slow travel and leisure, it often
happened that a delegate went almost a hundred miles to the Association-quite frequently sixty. He started the day before and spent the
night with some friend pn the way, continuing his journey with his
friend the following day, this procedure being reversed when returning home. Although the roads were rough, the weather hot and travel
slow, the journey was thoroughly enjoyed by our forefathers because
of the friendly association and delightful conversation along the way.
They were as "Pilgrims bound for Canaan's Land."
-
"A Book Containing the Proceedings of Annual General Meetings
for the Third District of the Coosa Association, Commencing with the
Meeting held at Union Peavine Church, Walker County, Ga., the 6th &
2. A. Gordon, Mdr., Moses Park, Clk.
7th of September, 1850,"
The above is on the title page of an old blank book which has weathered the passage of time for more than eighty years, and is still in fair
condition. Having read and pondered the contents carefully, I have
reached the conclusion that this was not the annual meeting of the
Coosa Association itself, but was one of the divisions of that body,
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which seems to have met annually. The following churches seem to
have composed this district: Concord Tenn., Wood Station, Ringgold,
Union Peavine (or what we call Peavine), Rocky Creek, (or Rock
Creek), Medicinal Springs, (Gordon Springs), Antioch, Lookout, LaFayette, New Providence, Sulphur Springs, Ebenezer, Pleasant Grove.
The records show that these General Meetings were held annually
a t Peavine for a number of years. At the meeting held in 1853, it was
resolved to hold the meetings with the Peavine church for the next
five years. It was likewise decided at this meeting to build tents and
hold a Camp-Meeting in connection with the General Meetings. Accordingly the following churches agreed to build tents, being vouched for
by their delegates: LaFayette, two tents; Wood Station, one; Medicinal Springs, one; Antioch, one; Lookout, one; Ringgold, one. "Resolved,
that the meetings be fixed permanently for the Friday before the first
Sabbath in August." It appears that these meetings were held annually
a t Peavine for about eight years, or till 1857. The meeting for 1858 was
voted to LaFayette, but there is no record of the meeting for that year.
The meeting in 1859 was held a t Wood Station. The meeting for 1860
was voted for Antioch but no record of the meeting. 1861 was again at
Peavine, as was that of 1862 which was the last one of record.
The following delegates to these meetings are mentioned from year
to year, which indicates that they were, many of them at least, ministers and deacons : Medicinal Springs, (Gordon Springs) ,-2. A. Gordon
(father of General John B.) ; L. Williams, T. Cooper, M. R. Moore, A. G.
Whittle. Wood Station,-E. Cooper, R. Marlow, Hiram M. Shaw, Martin
Camp, Amos Williams, Thomas R. Davis, J. W. Williams, A. C. Whittle,
Jesse Bryant. Peavine,--T. H. Jones, M. Park, G. Brigham, A. Thedford, J. T. Renfro, D. Major, R. Tierce, E. E. White, G. Ward, Eli Cox.
Rock Creek,-T. R. Davis, J. Smith, J. Turner, G. W. Ellis, G. W. Harp,
Isaac Newton, Pohn Pearce, F. M. Harp, James Ellis, - Hartsfield,
-Miller.
Antioch,-B. W. Cordell, Jason Isbell, J. H. Lathrum, John
Mahan, William Fowler, Thomas Davis, S. Andrews, C. M. Blair, J. B.
Bell, Wm. Mahan. Lookout,-John
Sammons, David B. Dickey, M.
Dickey, L. Carter, Moses Morrison, Thomas Smith, John Phillips, John
R. Chambers, Thos. W. Dickey, Josiah Vernon. LaFayette,-E. Dyer,
L. Edwards, N. M. Mathews, George Shaw, J. H. Culberson, Turner And r e w ~ J.
, Pullen.
Among a great many other interesting matters the following shows
how these old brethren looked a t and discharged their duties: "Resolved; That this Union Meeting believe that brother William Burka Baptist minister of our Association has acted in disorder in aidingunder the circumstances in the case-in constituting a church a t Crawfish Spring, and by receiving into the said church, John Turner, an
ex-communicated Raptist minister, who, to the knowledge of the said
Brother William Burk-had denounced the faith of the Coosa Baptist
Association!'
"And Resolved, further that we advise the church at
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Lookout to call brother Burk to account for said disorder."
The following querry was sent from the Medicinal Springs church:
"Is it right, or is it Gospel order to deal with and turn out a member
for making or vending ardent spirits?" This question was discussed
fully and the following resolution was unanimously adopted : "Resolved,
That in the opinion of this meeting the making and vending of ardent
spirits as a beverage is inconsistent with Gosped order, and that every
church should use all proper means to put the evil from among them.
And further Resolved that the clerk furnish every church, through the
delegates, a copy of this querry with this resolution." Also, this one:
"Has the church the right to deal with her minister and to exclude
him from the church without the aid of a presbytery?" Answer: -"Re
solved, That in the opinion of this body the church has the right and
should never yield it."
In 1852 this querry was sent in by Lookout church: ' 9 0 t h the 4th
and 6th article of the Coosa Baptist Association hold forth a limited
atonement, so that a part of the human family is, and has forever been
excluded from the grace and glory according to the covenant agreement and that the Spirit doth not strive with them to bring them to repentance, so that a part of the human family are entirely left out of
the covenant?'? The record shows that this query was discussed by
Elders E. Dyer, and A. Fitzgerald and the following was unanimoualy
agreed: "That neither the Bible nor the 4th and 6th article referred
to, hold forth a limited atonement so that a part of the human family
is and has been forever excluded from grace and glory, according to
the covenant agreement; so that they could not be saved, if they would:
But that all who will may participate of the benefits of the atonement,
according to Gospel requisitions."
"Resolved, That we recommend that the churches of this district
revive and keep up a correspondence with each other."
At the meeting in 1855 the following brethren were appointed to
discuss the subjects named :
E. Dyer-Final Perseverance of the Saints.
Wm. Fowler-Church Government.
M. W. Vandivere-Duties of Pastors to their Churchea
J. R. Chambers-Subject of MissionsA. E. Vandivere-Duties of Deacons
D. B. Dickey-On Prayer
J. T. Renfro-On Sunday Schools
J. H. Park-On Temperance
"Union Peavine, Sept. 12th, 1856.
"The Ministers and Brethren composing the General Meeting of the
third district of the Coosa Baptist Association convened a t the harbor
and after preaching by Brother William Fowler met pursuant to adjournment t o attend to the meeting of the General Meeting. Brother
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Lindsay Edwards was elected Moderator after which proceeded to business." These are the exact words of the minutes of the session for the
year 1856, showing that there was a harbor erected and that a Campmeeting was being held in connection with these General Meetings. It
is interesting to note, also, that no business meetings were held on
Sundays. The business meetings were always dismissed on Saturdays
till Monday morning.
A t this meeting the following brethren were appointed to discuss
the subjects assigned a t the next regular meeting:
J. H. Park-Duties of Church Member to attend Conference
James Mann-Duties of Members to Pastors
Elder Wm. Fowler-On Ordinance of Baptism
Daniel Major-On Predestination
Lindsay Edwards-On Best Means of Promoting Revivals
James Pullen-On Benefit of a Religious Paper
Dr. A. S. Barry-On Communion
A. Shamblin-Duties of Brethren to Keep up Prayer Meetings in
their Churches
0.H. P. Gardner-Duties of Church Members to Each Other.
T. H. Stout-Millinneal Reign of Christ
Wm. Henry-Duties of Deacons
Elder Robert Ware-On Subject of Missions
Elder Pursley-On Kingdom of Christ
Elder Morgan-On Promotion of Piety
Elder A. Fitzgerald-Atonement of Christ
Session of 1857 :
At this meeting there is this entry: "Received letter of correspondence from Waterville Church by the hands of Brother B. M. Powell, requesting a correspondence with them who, with other visiting brethren were invited to seats." At this meeting the following querry was
received and discussed: "Has the Church the right to require her members to attend her regular conferences?" Which was unanimously decided in the affirmative. Also, this querry: "Should any kind of gambling or of frequenting billiard rooms or other gambling establishments, or
going or sending to dancing schools, be tolerated in church members?"
Decided unanimously : "It should not."
At this meeting i t was decided to hold the next General Meeting a t
LaFayette, but there is no record of the meeting at that place. The session for 1859 was held a t Wood station. However, there seems to have
been a small attendance and very little discussion. The following querry was offered: "Was Judus Iscariot at the Lord's Supper, or not?"
There is no record of the decision. At this meeting it was voted to
hold the next meeting with the church at Antioch, but there is no record of the meeting a t that place.
a
The two last meetings were held a t Peavine, 1861 and 1862. The last
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page of the minute for the last session reads a s follows: "By motion
agreed to take up a collection on Sabbath for the Cherokee Indian Missions. By motion a preacher was appointed to preach a missionary sermon to-morrow; appointed Brother Hill, and Brother Dyer to follow
him in some appropriate remarks. By motion agreed that the next General Meeting be held on Friday before the fourth Sabbath in September 1863."
"General Business: Agreed to appoint a minister and attempt to
preach the introductory sermon for the next General Meeting. Brother
Bell to preach, Brother Dyer alternate.
"~djournedto time and place appointed. Prayer by Brother Park."
J. B. Bell, Modr.
George Brigman, Clk.
1s it surprising that these General Meetings were not held in 1863?
Less than a week before the time appointed for the session, and for
several weeks previous a seething mass of soldiers in Blue and Gray
had paraded the surrounding country and finally met in a death struggle a few miles away. If ever there was a potent reason for a failure t o
meet in a religious gathering surely this was one. The shock was so
great and lasting that it was never possible to reorganize these General
Meetings. These old records accidentally brought to light, should be
an impelling incentive to all right thinking persons to "go and do
likewise." "There were Giants in those days."
Records of annual meetings of Coosa Baptist Association as gathered
fmm old Minutes. The association was organized in 1837.
Year
Place
Modera tw
Clmk
Treaszcrer
1839
1854
1855
1856
1858
1859
lcW9
1870
1871
1872
1873
1874
1875
1876
1879
1880
1881
1882
1883
1854
1885
1886
1887
1885
1889
Mt. Harmony
Summerville
Union Peavine
Cave Spring
LaFayette
Pisgah
Sardis
Ringgold
Shiloh
New Liberty
Macedonia
Summerville
Chattooga
Pleasant Gr.
Mt.Harmony
Antioch
Lahyette
Shiloh
Crawfish Sprg.
New Liberty
New Hope
Trim Flactory
Blacedonia
Chatta. Valley
Chattooga
C. H. Stilwell
C. W. Sparks
Rdwin Dyer
Ddwin Dyer
A. R. Ross
C. W. Sparks
Hd\rTin Dyer
A. B. Ross
C. W. Sparks
IV. T. Russell
C. H. Stilwell
J. Y. Wood
W. T. Russell
J. J. S. Calowag
D. Scruggs
D. Scruggs
W. T. Russell
J.
J.
J.
J.
J.
W.L.Shattuck
W.L.Shattuck
H. S. Moore
H. S. Moore
T. C. Tucker
H. S. Moore
T. C. Tucker
T. C. Tucker
H. S. Moore(?)
H. S. Moore
H. S. Moore
J.Y.Wood
J.Y.Wood
J. Y. Wood
L. N. Brock
L. N. Brock
W. C. Luther
W. C. Luther
J. Y. Wood
J. Y. Wood( 1 )
J. Y. Wood
J. Y. Wood
Y. Wood
C. Clements
C. Clements
Y. Wood
Y. Wood
Joel Withers
Joel Withers
Joel Withers
J. M. Shaw
J. C. Clements
E. L. Culberson
E. L. Culberson
E. L. Culberson
E. L. Culberson
E;. L. Culberson
h. L. Culberson
E. L. Culberson
E. L. Culberson
I?. W. Copeland ( 3 )
F. W.Copeland
F.W. Copeland
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Year
Place
1890 New Prospect
1891 Shiloh
1.892 Peavine
Moderator
R. L. Trotter
W. L. Shattuck
W. L. Shattuck
W. L. Shattuck
1893 LaFayette
1894 New England W. L. Shattuck
1895 Wood Station W. L. Shattuck
W. H. Head
1896 Antioch
T. R. Harden
1897 Pleasant Hill
W. L. Shattuck
1898 Chickamauga
1899 Bast Armwhet W.L. Shattuck ( 3)
W. L. Shattuck
1900 Peavine
W. L. Shattuck
1901 Lali'ayette
1902 New Prospect 3. P. ghattuck
1903 Chatta. Valley J. P. Shattuck
1904 Rossville
W. L. Shattuck
J. M. M d
1905 Valley Head
1906 Burning Bush J. M. W d
1907 Macedonia
W. L. Shattuck
1908 Center Point
W. L. Shattuck
1909 Bethel
W. L. Shattuck
1910 Chattooga
W. M. Dyer
9
Boynton
Jas. P. Shattuck
1912 Shiloh
B. F. Hunt
1913 Chickamauga Jas. P. Shattuck
1914 East Armuchee Jas. P. Shattuck
1915 LaFayette
Lee H. Dyer
1916 Rossville
Lee H. Dyer
1917 Waterville
Lee H. Dyer
1918 Rising Fawn
Lee H. Dyer
1919 Naomi
Lee H. Dyer
1920 Bethel
Lee H. Dyer
1921 Peavine
Lee H. Dyer
1922 New Prospect TAX H. Dyer
1923 Antioch
Lee H. Dyer
1924 Shiloh
Lee H. Dyer
1925 Macedonia
L. B. Arvin
L. B. Arvin
1926 Chattooga
1927 Center Point
S. R. Tucker
19% LaFayette
S. R. Tucker
1929 Rossville
S. R. Tucker
1930 Center Grove S. R. Tucker
1931 East Amuchee S. R. Tucker
1932 Bethel
S. R. Tuc*kcl.1*
1933 Flintstone
Clerk
J. Y. Wood
J. Y. Wood
J. G .
J. Y.
J. Y.
J. Y.
J. Y.
J. Y.
J. Y.
Hunt
Wood
wood
Wood
Wood
Wood
Wood
J. P. Wood( 3 )
J. Y. Wood
J. Y. Wood
J. Y. Wood
J. Y* Wood
J. Y. Wood
C. R. Jones
0.R. Jones
Y*Wood
J. Y. Wood
3. A. Sartain
J. A. Sartain
A. Sartain
J. A. Sartain
J. A. Sartain
J. A. Sartain
Norman Shattuck
Alton Fox
I. S. Leonard
I. S. Leonard
I. S. Leonard
I. S. Leonard
I. S. Leonard
I. S. Leonard
I. S. &nard
I. S. h n a r d
Lee H. Dyer
Lee H. Dyer
C. R. JonC . R. Jones
C. R. JonC. R. JonC. R. Jones
( '. K. Jones
J o
J o
Treasurer
F. W. Copeland
B. F. Hunt
J. To Suttle
F. W. Copeland
F. W. Cope1,and
F. W. Copeland
Jaa. P. Shattuck
Jas. P. Shattuck
Jas. P. Shattuck
J. P. Shattuck( 3 )
Jas. Y. Shattuck
C. C. Childs
L S. B a l ~ e t t
C. R. Jones
J. P. Shattuck
Jas. P. Shattuck
Jas. P. Shattuck
Jas. P. Shattuck
Jas. P. Shattuck
Jas. P. Shattuck
Jas. P. Shattuck
Jas. P. Shattuck
Jas. P. Shattuck
Jas. P. Shattuck
Jas. P. Shattuck
Jas. P. Shattuck
Jas. P. Shattuck
Jas. Po Shattuck
Jas. P. Shattuck
Jas. P. Shattuck
Jas. Po Shattuck
Jas. P. Shattuck
Norman Shattuck
Norman Shattuck
Frank Weaver
Frank Weaver
Oarl Hearn
Oarl Hearn
Oarl Hearn
Carl Hearn
Carl Hearn
Carl Hearn
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Chapter Forty-four
FAMILY REVIEWS.
(NOTE--The author has prepared most of these sketches from data furnished and
assumes responsibility for the few words of praise. He has been personally acquainted
with most of these for many years-has known their lives and characters-and feels, a8
he believes his readers will feel, that these words of commendation are well-deserved.)
By Mary Jmes Rosser and L,a"~ra
Jones Whelchel
Jamea Roland Jones, one of Walker County's pioneers, was born November 7th, 1805 in White County, Tennessee, and was of Welsh descent. He was the son of Roland Jones, one of the early settlera of Tennessee. After the death of Roland Jones, his widow and children moved
to Coweta County, Georgia, where James R. received such education
as the times afforded, learning much in the school of experience ae
an orphan boy.
He was married January 8th, 1828 to Temperance Velvin (born
March 18th, 1812), daughter of Robert Velvin of Coweta County.
James R. and his wife remained in Coweta County until September
1835 when they re-moved to Walker County, and settled what has since
been known as the James R. Jones place about one mile South of Rock
Spring Church on the Chattanooga and LaFayette road.
This trip was made in an ox cart, which carried his wife and their
three children, Martha, Willis, and Russell, and the few belongings. The
journey was a slow one and full of dangers. When he arrived on the
ecene of his future activities, he found not a board, a road nor anything suggesting civilization. He unloaded his ox cart, in the wilderness, felled some "saplings," placed them in the fork of trees, fastened
others a t the side for rafters, cut down a board tree, rived his boards,
and covered his shelters, built his fire out in front, and this was his
home until he had time to build a pine lob cabin. This picturesque
home was not without its attractions, in its sylvan retreat. A clear
cool spring was invitingly near. His table was daintily supplied with
venison, wild turkey, and other luxuries of the forest, at his will.
The Cherokee Indians were also natives of this forest, and James
R.'s adventures with them were many and interesting though his
dealings with them were conscientious. His nearest neighbor was three
miles to the North. A t this time there was no jail or calaboose, so the
sheriff had the whole responsibility of holding prisoners, which he did
by chaining them to trees by day. For a long time James R. had to go
to Ross' Landing (Chattanooga) to get corn. What is known a s the
Chattanooga and LaFayette pike was a mere Indian trail, consequently three or four days were spent to make the trip.
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Roving Indians were everywhere, so let us pause just here and pay
a tribute to brave stouthearted Temperance, the pioneer wife. Was
she not a heroine? That memorable old grandmother, whose life jewelled with good deeds has hurried down the years to bless posterity,
and whose example has given stamina, courage, and character, to fit
. JAMES R. JONES, PIONEER, AND HIS WIFE,
TEMPERANCE VELVIN JONES
u s the better to face every turn life assumes. Less than a mile north
of his crude home, was erected in 1839, the first Methodist Church of
Rock Spring. James R. was not a member of this Church, but attended almost its every service, and kept wide his doors for its every
preacher.
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In 1840, James R. with his neighbors organized a school in a little
house just North of his home. Five of his sons, Russell, William, Thomas, Robert, and Rees, claim old Rock Spring as their "Alma Mater".
The Jones school house was also used as a court house. James R. was
at one time, one of the three Judges of the Inferior Court of Walker
County.
The first post office at Rock Spring was in the home of James R.
Jones. He was the first postmaster and gave the place its name. The
office has remained in the Jones family almost continuously since first
established in 1844.
As t o the convictions of James R. Jones in the 60's, he never seceded. Though he had five sons, Russell, Willis, Rees, William and
Robert in the Confederate Army, he was heart and soul against secession, and remained so until the end. Allow me to pause here, and say
that he had two grandsons (Harry H. Jones, son of Robert, and Willis
Jones, son of William) and one great grandson, Capt. Thomas Jonesgrandson of Willis who were soldiers in the World War, all living a t
this time 1930.
During the reconstruction period James R. aided in the upbuilding
of his County in every way possible, contributing liberally to every
cause which was for the good of his section, and remained as he had
ever been, an uprght, honorable, progressve citizen until his death February 20th, 1886.
The quality of his truth and honesty is best shown by an act of hia
during the Civil War. In March of '64, his son Robert, who was orderly
of the staff of Gen. William T. Wofford, had been sent home on furlough from New Market, Tenn., by Gen. Wofford, to carry some money
($800.00) to Cartersville, Ga., to his (Wofford's) wife. On his way back
to the front, he stopped a t Rock Spring to see his father and mother.
Not long after he arrived a t home, federal scouts were seen approaching the house. There was no chance for escape it seemed, and Robert
ran upstairs. Two or three of the Yankees came into the house and
told James R. they understood he had a son home from the Army.
"Yes", he replied. "Where is he?" was asked. "Upstairs; come down,
Bob", he said. The son's surprise and consternation at his father's replies can better be imagined than expressed. Robert was captured and
sent to Federal Prison at Nashville, Tenn., where he was kept until
the war closed.
It is probable that the house would have been searched, but there are
few fathers who would not have directed the Yankees' attention elsewhere
in hope that all might be well with his boy, but with this grand old man
his truth and honor were almost his religion, and were to him above
boy or his freedom and liberty.
The history of James R. Jones, is but the history of all pioneers.
It was a continual battle with Indians, as long as they were here, wild
animals and the cruel hardships incident to pioneer life, but with it all,
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there was health and happiness. By energy and perseverance he acquired some property, besides rearing his large family of one daughter
and ten sons, Martha (Mrs. A. E. Rogers), Willis, Capt. Russell J., William P., Thomas N., J. Robert, (Bob), Reese, R. F., (Bud), R. C., (Doc),
Oran We,
and A. J., (Jack), all of whom lived to mature years, but are
now dead.
His most notable characteristics, were his firmness of purpose and
his rugged honesty. Richly does he merit the inscription placed on his
monument in Rock Spring Cemetery. "He was a n honest man the noblest work of God".
Temperance, his wife whose prowess braved with him those early
and dangerous days of the 30's, in December, 1891, became weary and,
leaving behind her a beautiful life spent in doing good, was united with
him in celestial reward.
Though the entire immediate family of James R. Jones h a s passed
into the great beyond, a host of his descendants gather every year, at
Rock Springs, Georgia, in family reunion, to do honor to his memory.
Descendants of James R. Jones and Temperance Velvin Jones:
(1) Martha A. Jones, (Apr. 14, 1830), wife of A. E. Rogers. Their
children : Elizabeth Jones Rogers, Jan. 10, 1849 ; Caldonia Rogers,
July 8, 1850; James Edward Rogers, July 7, 1852; Russell Jasper Rogers, Aug. 11, 1855; Andrew Erwin Rogers, Jan. 10, 1857; Temperance
Rogers, Sept. 4, 1859; John Robert Rogers, July 18, 1861; Mattie Rogers, Jan. 5, 1864; Mollie Rogers, Jan. 5, 1864; George Washington Rogers, Apr. 30, 1866 ; Josephine Alice Rogers, July 20, 1868; Oliver Glenn
Rogers, Jan. 4, 1871.
(2) David Willis Jones, Sept. 12, 1831. His wife, Martha P a r k Jones,
Jan. 11,1835. Their children: Julia S. Jones, Nov. 4, 1863; Susan Temperance Jones, Mar. 24, 1855; James Anderson Jones, Mar. 20, 1856;
Mary Antionette Jones, Feb. 11, 1858; Thomas Willis Jones, Apr. 14,
1860; Mattie Estelle Jones, July 17, 1866; Infant, Feb. 27, 1868; Cora
May Jones, Apr. 26, 1871.
(3) Russel J. Jones, July 11, 1834. His wife, Sarah Camp Jones.
Their Children: Aaron C. Jones, Sept. 3, 1857; Lola 0. Jones, 1859;
James R. Jones, June 26, 1865; Annie L. Jones, Mar. 31,1867; William A.
Jones, May 22, 1869; Robert 0.Jones, Apr. 13, 1872; Frank C. Jones,
Oct. 8, 1874; Paul G. Jones, Dec. 16, 1878.
(4) William P. Jones, Feb. 1, 1837. His wife, Mary A. E. Smith,
Jones, Mar. 8, 1841. Their children: Susan M. Jones, Oct. 28, 1859;
Julia Jones, Aug. 4, 1861; William Robert Jones, Dee. 28, 1863.
Second wife, Jane Williams Jones, June 4, 1846. Their children:
James A. Jones, Mar. 29, 1873; Thomas Felton Jones, Apr. 16, 1875;
Mary Jones Aug. 4, 1877; Sarah Jones, Oct. 9, 1879; Jack Jones, Apr.
29, 1881; Sam Jones, Feb. 2, 1884; Edward Jones, Jan. 10, 1887; Willis
Jones, Aug. 18, 1890.
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(5) Thomas N. Jones, Apr. 18, 1839; his wife, Margaret Henderson
Jones, Nov. 22, 1841. Their children: Charles Willis Jones, Aug. 18,
1860; Thomas Jerome Jones. Feb. 8, 1862; James Robert Jones, Mar.
6, 1864; John Henderson Jones, Sept. 8, 1866; Rees Jones, Aug. 26,
1868; Laura Augusta Jones, Oct. 12, 1870; Alice Temperance Jones,
Nov. 21, 1872; Margaret Elizabeth Jones, June 12, 1875; Susie Viola
Jones, Oct. 2, 1877;Ruth Winifred Jones, Apr. 26, 1879; William Jackson Jones, Nov. 23, 1882; Orville Roland Jones, Apr. 24, 1887.
(6) James Robert Jones, July 7,1842; His wife, Mary A. Henderson,
Sept. 19, 1855. Their children: Mary Leet Jones, July 23, 1875; Laura
Virginia Jones, Sept 30, 1878; Maude Temperance Jones, Jan. 12,1881;
James Marsh Jones, Jan. 3, 1883; Fannie Winifred Jones, May 1, 1885;
Harry Henderson Jones, July 4, 1887; Calvin Quay Jones, July 17,
1890.
(7) Rees Jones, Oct. 24, 1844; His wife Susan Smith Jones, May 16,
1847. Their children; William Edward Jones, May 16, 1867; Mary S.
Jones, July 1, 1869; Eudora T. Jones, Aug. 15, 1871; Nathan S. Jones,
Mar. 1, 1874, and Martha W. Jones, Mar. 1, 1874; Margaret Emma
Jones, Mar. 9, 1876; Zachariah Willis Jones, Oct. 4, 1878; Henry Jones,
Aug. 1,1881 ; Roland Jones, Oct. 4,1883; Lola Jones, Jan. 28,1886; Pearl
Jones, Aug. 21, 1887; Susie Jones, Nov. 19, 1893.
(8) Randolph Franklin Jones, Mar. 26, 1847; His wife Lula Clark
Jones.
(9) Rufus C. Jones, (Doc), July 21, 1849; His wife Theressa Pope
Jones, Dec. 7, 1869. Their child: Anna Jones, June 8, 1889. .
(10) Orran W. Jones, Oct. 11,1852; His wife Mary Ellis Jones, June
26, 1857. Their children: Susan Tennessee Jones, Oct. 12, 1876; Maggie Florence Jones, Feb. 11, 1878; James Randolph Jones, June 14,
1879; Orran Franklin Jones, Mar. 29, 1881; Mattie Temperance Jones,
Mar. 14, 1883; Andrew Jackson Jones, Jan. 3, 1885; William Chester
Jones, Feb. 27, 1887; Nora Malinda Jones, Dec. 1, 1889; Theressa Pope
Jones, Dec. 18, 1893.
(11) Andrew Jackson Jones, June 11, 1855; His wife, Margaret Conley Jones, Oct. 5, 1858. (Son died in infancy).
CHARLESW. JONES
(b. 1860), son of Thomas No and Margaret E.
Jones, married Paralee, (b. 1868), dau. of Anderson, and granddaughter of Abbott Smith of Tennessee. Anderson moved to the Cove before
the war. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have lived in the Cove all their lives
where, by industry, economy and frugality they have accumulated considerable property and are possessed of a competence to give them respite and leisure during their declining days, now rapidly passing on.
He has recently erected a handsome cottage near the public highway
where he and his wife expect to spend their remaining days. The five
girls have been residing for a number of years in Chattanooga, while
the boys are substantial farmers. Right often the children make their
way back to visit their parents and the old home.

History of Walker County Georgia

Transcription

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